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COPY 1 


IDIEIDIO-A.TEID 


TO THE 


Inhabitants of 'Norfolk. 



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THE! 



‘Funde rnernm genio.” 

Pkrsivs. 


BY THE 

Count of Courson Curzon. 


NORFOLK, VA.: 

FOG-ABTY, PUBLISHER, 

Norfolk News Company. 


1 • \ > 
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Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by 
COUNT de COURSON, Norfolk, Va., 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



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IDIEIDXCJLTIEID 

TO THE 

fnluttotiintjs of potfolfe. 



NORFOLK, VA : 

VIRGINIAN BOOK AND JOB PRINT, 56 AND 58 ROANOKE A VENUS. 

1874. 




AUTHOR’S PREFACE. 


A short time since I found myself passing the even- 
ing in the midst of a very pleasant company. We con- 
versed of literature; and a lady bore away the charms 
of the conversation by the brilliancy of her repartees ; a 
complete education had developed in her the natural 
gifts of her mind. Addressing me suddenly she said : 

But, Mr. , you being a writer, why don't you write 

something on Norfolk ? 

But, madam, I replied, I do not know the history of 
the country or its legends. What, replied she, is there 
then nothing remarkable about Norfolk, if you speak 
but of the beauties which render the country so cele- 
brated ? 

[ take you at your word then, replied I. It is al- 
ways agreeable to speak of Beauties, Flowers and Pearls. 
I promise you, therefore, “ The Pearl of Norfolk.” 

Having arrived at my home, I made the following 
hasty sketch, and a few days after I carried it to her. 

Excuse me, madam, if I present you with a rather 
incomplete work, not having time to meditate on any 
precise order of writing this history, nor wishing to 


IV 


author's preface. 


introduce into it any romantic adventures which usually 
decorate novels of this kind. Besides, there is nothing 
I detest more than romances. I never read them — all 
the details of what is called inside life, low life, do- 
mestic quarrels and saloon brawls are repugnant to my 
feelings. The development of a thought or a senti- 
ment ought always to be sufficient to the reader. 

In the history of Bene, what you call intrigue, does 
not exist. In the Proverbs of Musset, in the Inter- 
mezzo of Heine, in Werther of Goethe, in the novels 
of the two celebrated Bussian writers, Pouchkin and 
Lhermontoff, who perished so unfortunately in a duel 
in defending his wife’s honor, and of which the novel 
“A Hero of our Own Times” caused so profound a 
sensation in the literary world of Bussia, and in so 
many other minor works which owe their character 
solely to the brilliancy of style, to the delicacy of sen- 
timent and the poetry of thought. 

I have endeavoured, therefore, as in Atala and Bene 
this strange aberration of the heart, to sail on the waves 
of these passions which are excited by the natural emo- 
tions of the heart. The task was difficult after such a 
master mind as Chateaubriand, and if in gleaning I 
have found only a few ears of corn, you will, neverthe- 
less, give me credit for good intentions. Beligious sen- 
timent pervades all the works of Chateaubriand; Dante 


author’s preface. 


V 


and Homer, the great Poets of antiquity, are replete 
with religion. 

Besides, to be frank, I have not the time to devote 
to such a work at present. In fact, I must go to New 
York where I have to publish two works expected of 
me a year since. I am thus behind hand. My health, 
impaired by the foggy climate of London, after a stay 
of some years in the tropical regions of India and 
Africa, has forced me to seek under the beautiful skies 
of Virginia, a renovation of my strength ; thanks to 
the salubrious air of your favored country, and to the 
science of your, celebrated Dr T. B. Ward, I feel my* 
self born again. New life flows in my veins, and now, 
like an ingrate, I leave you. 

On my return, I shall resume this rough sketch in a 
second edition with the stereotyped phrase, “reviewed, 
corrected and considerably augmented,” and I will 
make of it, if I can, a work worthy of your Pearl. 

This little episode on Chateaubriand is then but the 
prelude of what I proposed some time since. I wish 
to follow his footsteps upon American soil, and travel 
over the places which he has visited, even as far as the 
Bocky Mountains. I have seen him in his old days 
during which he often spoke of our common country 
Breton, and these remembrances inspire me still. I 
have already followed him in countries which he ha# 


V! 


author’s preface. 


visited, and I have been fortunate enough to derive 
some benefit from it. 

In 1860 I passed the winter in Venice, after 
having travelled throughout Europe, and before setting 
out for Egypt, where I went to see Cairo and the 
Pyramids; then in Arabia, Mount Sinai, where God 
gave Moses the commandments; the East Indies, Bom- 
bay and Calcutta, the Island of Ceylon, the Bourbon 
and Mauritius Islands, the Cape of Good Hope, St. 
Helena, Brazil and Senegal on the coast of Africa. 

One evening at Venice I went in my Gondola down 
the grand canal, bordered on either side by magnifi- 
cent palaces, the marble souvenirs of the opulent Venice. 
[ was dreaming under the enchanting sky of these 
Venetian evenings, when my gondolier suddenly inter- 
rupted me in my reverie by pointing out to me the 
palace in which Lord Byron resided. I caused the 
gondola to be stopped and rapped at the door of the 
palace, which I visited. They presented me with an 
old register in which travellers inscribed their names, 
and in turning over the leaves I found the following 
words written: “To the generous manes of Byron, ” 
signed Chateaubriand — homage rendered to the hero 
of Missolonghi, by the Breton Poet. 

At Bombay I met one of our Breton authors, to 
whorfi the “ Review of the two Worlds” ewes so many 


author’s preface. 


Vll 




beautiful pages, Mr. Lejean, Consul for France, in 
Abyssinia, and who had just escaped from that country, 
saving himself from the fate of the English Consul 
Cameron, who was imprisoned by the order of King 
Theodore. He arranged to travel through Persia and 
visit the Holy Land, whence he sent me some notes of 
the souvenirs left by Chateaubriand. Captain Burton, 
whom I had known at Paris, had started across Persia 
before him, to go to Egypt to discover the source of 
the Nile, like Dr Livingston, the mention of whom 
will recall to mind the American hero and intrepid 
traveller, Stanley. Whilst I was thus speaking — one 

is so boastful when far travelled — Madam was 

reading my “Pearl.” I think she had not heard even 
a word of mv discourse 

Well, said she, resuming the conversation in 
her turn, and with a rather suspicious tone of voice 
and gesture, every writer, every poet, has some di- 
vinity, a lady of his thoughts as it were, of whom 
he draws a portrait in his writings. Who is then 
this Pearl? 

Your question is embarrassing, madam. I cannot 
answer it. However, let me be frank with you; al- 
though the amiable proprietor of the “Virginian,” 
Mr. Glennan, does not wish that we should make a 
selection of a particular Pearl, since there are so many 


author’s preface. 


viii 

of them among us; undoubtedly he meant to say — 
when all are Pearls in Norfolk. Most assuredly this 
would be the opinion of Mr. James Barron Hope, the 
eminent writer, who is so well able to present to the 
public, Pearls of literature and poetry when he wishes 
to retire for a moment from the arena of serious 
politics. 

Well, each pious and devout young lady, who prays 
before the altar can recognize herself in Flora. My 
Pearl is a bird of paradise. 

And each will be mistaken, replied she, with a decided 
warmth of expression, except the true Pearl, concealed 
under the name of Flora, in fact your dear ideal; and 
she expects with the greatest anxiety the publication 
of your book. 

You are incorrigible, madam. “ Honni soit qui mol 
y pen se.” In the deserts of Africa, upon the banks 
of the Nile, I made acquaintance with the crocodile. 
In the jungles of India with the Bengal tiger. In 
the forests of Princess Island in Senegal, of the Boa 
Constrictor. 

Of all animals, the being the most wicked and cruel 
was man; I do not add “and woman” for I have never 
known any but good. 

Now you may give yourself up to all the imaginary 
suppositions, invent every possible means, still you will 


author's preface. 


IX 


never succeed in triumphing over my patience, my 
impassability. I have such an independent character 
that I never trouble myself about what others think 
of me, and I never believe in the ill which may be 
spoken to me of my neighbour. 

Well, madam, you are right, a thousand times right; 
in fact, ladies are always right. Yes, I have found the 
Pearl of Norfolk. I will show her to you; it is Flora. 
I have made a voyage around the world to discover it. 

In fine, madam, be good enough to say to all the young 
ladies whom you may visit, not to be alarmed at the 
fate of the unfortunate “ Flora,” every bride does not 
thus perish. “God forbid !” 


PROLOGUE. 


No pearl ever lay, under Oman’s green water, 

More pure in its shell, than thy spirit in thee. 

Thomas Moore, 

Flora, 

Do you remember the day when first you met 
with Rene Chateaubriand in the Holy Basilica ? 

Do you remember the feelings of deep emotion that 
thrilled your souls ? 

Do you remember the evening prayer in the presence 
of the Eternal, amid the growing shades of night? 

Do you remember that festival day ? The religious 
chants were hushed, the organ had breathed. forth its 
last dying notes of deepest melody, the profound silence 
was broken only by the voice of the aged priest enton- 
ing the sublime preface of the sacrifice, when two little 
birds of rich and brilliant plumage descending from 
the dome of the Holy temple, hovered above the taber- 
nacle, and united their joyous notes to the chant of the 
sacred minister. 

Oh ! how their melody enraptured and entranced the 
soul ! Their warbling so sweet, so pure, so innocent, ex- 
cited emotion in every heart Poor little birds ! beaten 
by the storm, you sought refuge at the altar. Tossed 
about by the tempests of the world, you also, Rene and 
Flora, sought your refuge and safety under the shadow 


PROLOGUE. 


XI 


of the Tabernacle. Those birds were types and em- 
blems of you. Messengers of God, the Almighty, 
they came to blend their pure and innocent harmony 
with yours. Their innocence was the image of the an- 
gelic purity of your hearts. Like them in the sincerity 
of your faith, in the grandeur and sublimity of your 
sentiments, you have winged your flight on a bright and 
luminous cloud to go and chant a never-ending canticle 
of praise and thanksgiving to the Most High in the 
infinite regions of bliss. 

I)o you remember the ocean, and when seated on the 
beach you unbosomed to one another, amid the mur- 
muring of the waves, your dreams of future happiness? 

Do you remember the leafy woods, when you gazed 
with admiration on the splendid scenery of dear and 
lovely Virginia, and culled handsfull of odoriferous 
flowers, the snow white daises, whose purity and white- 
ness were but a reflex of the innocence and loveliness 
of your own soul ? 

Do you remember the sunset on the water ; the bright 
horizon, tinged with the gorgeous purple and golden 
hues of the aurora borealis, expanding fanlike over the 
firmament its refulgent gleams of fire ? 

Do you remember the charming evenings when in 
the pale light of the moon, and under a sky bespangled 
by the hand of Divine Omnipotence, you drank in from 
your dreams a delightful melancholy? 

Do you remember the lovely days of Norfolk, spark- 
ling in the noonday sun, which, like an essence of su- 
preme emanation poured out its torrents of light? 

Do you remember the intellectual, literary and per- 


Xll 


PROLOGUE. 


fectly harmonious life, which animating and refreshing 
the senses like a celestial dew, begets peace and content- 
ment in those pure souls whom the world has not 
corrupted ? 

Do you remember, in fine, the rustic chapel, where 
we loved to pray, and which young maidens were wont 
to adorn with flowers on festive days ; the melodious 
chants, the ravishing voices, ascending to heaven with 
prayers and the perfume of incense, whilst the venera- 
ble missionary pronounced benediction on the faithful? 

Do you remember ? 

Such are the reminiscences 1 offer you in these few 
lines; may they enter and remain deeply graven in your 
heart, as they are in mine, and if, perchance, I appear 
to you in your dreams by night, seeking in Norfolk the 
shades of the past, speak kindly to the apparition and 
bid it — come again. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


I. 


One morning about the beginning of November, 
1794, a brig might have been observed near Capes 
Henry and Charles, gradually revealing itself through 
the dense and heavj fog, and steering towards the 
coast. The morning presented a threatening aspect. 
The swelling sea, with its deep and mournful murmur- 
ing, rolled its foam-tipped waves to the shore. The 
restless and fitful winds would sometimes blow a gale 
and would then die away as if their breath were ex- 
hausted. The hazy and rayless atmosphere producing 
in the observer feelings vague and indefinable, weighed 
heavily on the waters. Was this a prognostic of a day 
of calm, or was it a sign premonitory of a formidable 
tempest? About noon all doubts were at an end. 
The clouds rolling together, drifted in a dark and 


14 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


heavy mass. They had attained a force that was irre- 
sistible. Everything bent or was shattered by its 
violence. A terrible hurricane was unchained and had 
burst upon the coast. 

In the meantime the vessel driven forward by the 
violence of the wind, and tossed about by the fury of 
the sea, seemed at one moment to be elevated to 
the clouds by the raging billows, and the next to be 
engulphed in the deep abyss that yawned beneath. 

The vessel was so damaged by the tempest that she 
was leaking in every part; huge waves were continu- 
ally washing over her deck, and sweeping into the sea 
man after man of her entire crew; then yielding to a 
formidable breaker she sank and was covered by the 
tide. Nothing was seen of the vessel but the tops of 
the masts appearing above the water. Some pieces of 
drift-wood were floating here and there upon the waves 
and the surrounding debris indicated only the direction 
of the unfortunate wreck. 

The inhabitants of the neighbourhood hastened to 
the scene, but what assistance could they render in 
their powerless position? The waves washed upon the 
shore only some pieces of broken masts, cordage and 
shattered planks. 

Suddenly a cry was heard issuing from the crowd : 
a man washed ashore ! ! A young man was lying on 
the beach, his hands clinging convulsively to a piece of 
wood, which he had wrenched from the wreck of the 
vessel ; his face pale, deathlike and bleeding, being torn 
and bruised by the debris of the wreck, retained an 
expression of noble pride and dignity. Ihey carried 


THE PEAKE OF NORFOLK. 


15 


him to a neighboring house, and as he had only 
fainted he soon returned to consciousness after some 
wise and timely efforts at restoration. This young man 
was Rene de Chateaubriand! 

What sad remembrances does not this name recall ! 
Rene, impelled by the passionate ardor and eagerness 
of his youthful heart, to pursue apart from the world, 
a life obscure and unknown by men, but whose secret 
melody was ever resounding within the horizon of his 
own soul, had bidden adieu to his paternal roof, to seek 
in the new world that congenial and harmonious con- 
cert of which his own soul was the faithful echo. His 
first step on American soil was attended by misfortune 
and shipwreck. 

Scarcely had he recovered from his misfortune than 
his mind was wholly occupied with the thought of re- 
turning thanks to God, who had mercifully preserved 
him — the only one of the whole crew. 

He went to Norfolk and there took up his residence. 
Gratitude for his preservation urged him to traverse 
the streets of the city, seeking for the cross which 
would indicate to him the place consecrated to divine 
worship. 

At the corner of a street he beheld an open chapel. 
He entered, and falling on his knees, he invoked the 
Omnipotent. 

The day was already declining — the pointed arches 
were casting their lengthened shadow’s, and by the pale 
light of a lamp which was burning near the altar, he 
observed in the church but a single human form, re- 
vealing itself indistinctly amid the surrounding shade 


16 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


and obscurity. It was a young maiden, graceful as a 
young palm tree of Delos. 

She was bowed down immovable in prayer. 

This sudden apparition filled his mind with an inde- 
scribable charm of poetry. Meeting thus in prayer 
at the foot of the altar, with an unknown Eve, adorned 
with candor and innocence, his soul was filled with ecstatic 
emotions. He gazed on her for a moment in silent ad- 
miration. Her piety so artless, so ardent, so expansive, 
inspired him with a sort of reverence. He imagined he 
beheld the angel of prayer, a celestial being who had 
descended from heaven to. communicate religious faith 
to mortals. 

How happy she is, said Rene to himself, to possess 
such an ardent faith ! My God would that I could 
pray with the same fervor, 

While thus stricken with admiration he received 
suddenly the grace of the same fervor, like St. Paul 
cast to the earth by divine grace, on his road to Damas- 
cus. 

He prostrated himself to the earth, his soul illumined 
by a ray of celestial light. 

Henceforth his whole life will be consecrated to the 
seivice of the Eternal. 

Silently he left the holy place without being observed 
by the young maiden. He did not wish to disturb the 
pious outpouring of a soul adoring its God. 

This religious sentiment will doubtless appear strange 
to the sceptics of our days. Faith is wanting in our 
age. 

Chateaubriand had passed his early youth at the 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


17 


brilliant Court of Versailles, and experienced the at- 
tractions of easy corruption, presented by a fashionable 
life at this epoch when the evils of the revolution burst 
upon him, as also upon all those of the nobility who 
emigrated from their country, being unable to live amid 
the horrors of the revolutionary tempest. 

Then he recalled to mind the first religious senti- 
ments that a Christian and cherished mother had 
awakened in his infant heart. Misfortune causes re- 
flection. 

lie called to mind the paternal castle, surrounded by 
a dense forest — the gothic chapel, where evening 
prayers were offered, in the presence of all the servants 
of the household. He cleaved firmly to the cross. 
Faith is so sweet ; it has so many charms when it 
proceeds from the heart, and when it accompanies us 
to the tomb it cheers us by pointing out a celestial life 
beyond, whilst hopeless and despairing scepticism pre- 
sents only annihilation and the destiny of the brute 
creation. 

He returned to his hospitable abode, but the image of 
the young maiden recurred continually to his mind. 
He had obtained but a glimpse of her, but his heart 
was inclined to superstition. The meeting seemed to 
him supernatural, and he habituated himself to regard 
it in that light. He considered it a revelation of his 
destiny. She will become his wife. 

A thought superior to every human consideration in- 
spires him with a desire for this union. The sublimity 
of her angelic piety will lead back from infidelity souls 
that have strayed away through doubt, and are already 

3 


18 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


banging over the abyss of despair. Her charity will 
wipe away thetearsof the unfortunate, and the afflicted 
will find in her their support and consolation. The 
love of her neighbor will be her guide through life. 

He, Rene, artificer of thought, will arm himself with 
his pen, and will pray God for heavenly inspiration to 
combat false doctrines; he will proclaim in his writings 
eternal truths. 


THE PEA EL OF NORFOLK. 


19 


II. 


Rene passed several months in vague reveries. He 
formed in his mind an ideal of a cherished being, a divin- 
ity of his thoughts. As soon as the shades of night 
had gathered round him, it was her vision that revealed 
ffself to him — a sweet phantom, a cherished illusion,- 
that rocked him in his agitated sleep. 

When the church bells called the faithful to prayer 
in the house of God, Rene attended these regularly. 
His fervent prayers were inspired by a heavenly piety. 
The arch of the holy place where he had seen for the 
first time this sublime vision, always attracted his atten- 
tion, but alas! she was no longer there! 

One Sunday after divine service he hastily left the 
church. Plis countenance betrayed deep and melan- 
choly thought. He dipped his fingers in the font of 
holy water, and in turning towards the altar he beheld 
a young maiden dressed with elegant simplicity, and 
her eyes modestly cast down. An icy chill ran through 
his members. With trembling hand he offered her the 
holy water. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


20 

It was she ! Ho could no longer doubt of it. He 
stood as one petrified. The young maiden passed be- 
fore him calm but evidently astonished. The feverish 
excitement of the unknown had not escaped her. 

The drops of perspiration were trickling down 
his forehead — his hand trembled. He rushed out of 
the church into the street, passed beyond the limits of 
the city before he became conscious of his whereabouts, 
and entering a thick woods that surrounded the city, 
found himself after some hours travel in the open 
country. He had wandered far away, and night was 
rapidly approaching, dark and gloomy. At this instant 
he perceives a light through the trees, and advancing 
toward it soon found himself standing before a modest 
country house. At the door stood an elderly lady who 
appeared trying to discern through the darkness 
the person who was advancing. 

On seeing Rene she made a movement as of surprise 
at the appearance of a stranger, but the pale counte- 
nance and wearied appearance of the young man in- 
spired her at the same time with a feeling of compas- 
sion. 

Rene had walked the entire day and appeared ex- 
hausted. 

The young stranger then advancing towards the lady 
and raising his hat respectfully, said to her with a 
somewhat tremulous accent, “Madam, can you inform 
me what road I must take to return to Norfolk? for I 
have been wandering out of my way since morning.” 

“ To Norfolk ! ” she replied. “Why, you are now 
more than twelve miles from there. You do not seem 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


21 


able to make your way back this evening. Sit down 
on this bench, ” said she, pointing to a bench beneath 
two pomegranite trees in bloom. I am expecting my 
son from the city; it will not be long until his return, 
and then you can speak to him and obtain the infor- 
mation you desire. 

“Jenny,” said she, to an- old negress who hearing 
some one conversing with her mistress, was led by cu- 
riosity to make her appearance, 4 Jenny, give the gen- 
tleman a chair. The poor child seems perfectly worn 
out,” 

The gallop of a horse was heard at this moment 
approaching. “ It is my son,” said the old lady, 
and she disappeared among the trees in order to meet 
him. 

A few moments after they appeared together; his 
mother had related to him the adventure of Hene ; he 
dismounted from his horse and advanced towards him. 

u My mother ” said he, has informed me of your mis- 
adventure. You are a stranger and could not return 
alone to-night to the city. Accept our hospitality and 
to-morrow morning we will return together to the city. 

ITe took Rene by the arm and conducted him into 
the house. He was nearly of the same age as Rene, 
with an amiable and intelligent face, and polite and af- 
fable manners. 

Supper being served he caused Rene to be seated 
near him. 

“ You arc a foreigner, ” said he to him. “ You appear 
to be a Frenchman.” 

Rene recounted to him the circumstances that led 


22 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


him to Norfolk, in which he seemed to be deeply in- 
terested! The clock struck the hour of midnight. 

“ We have only two apartments in the house, but I 
will conduct you to an old pavillion at the end of the 
garden, in which I have had a bed arranged for you. 
You can sleep there for the night.” 

“ It is now more than thirty years since any one 
slept there, but I suppose you are not afraid?” Rene, 
at the mention of fear, answered with lofty pride, “Sir, 
I am a Knight of Malta, and consequently a man 
without fear and without reproach.” 

I merely spoke of that replied the young man, be- 
cause the tradition of the neighborhood hands down 
strange stories in regard to this pavillion. Diabolical 
noises, as of chains rattling, accompanied with doleful 
cries, are said to be heard here during the night, and 
that the last persons who slept here disappeared sud- 
denly, and no one could learn what had become of 
them, and since thirty years no one has lodged here. 

These are only superstitions, replied Rene — fairy 
and goblin tales, believed and told by silty people. 
Make yourself easy. I shall sleep undisturbed. Have 
I not moreover my two faithful companions, which I 
never part with in my travels, and he drew forth two 
small pistols from his pocket. 

The two young men crossed the garden, and at the 
end of a long avenue of magnolias, found themselves 
before an old dilapidated pavillion. The young man 
opened the door with a large rusty key. He led Rene 
into a large room, from the walls of which the plaster 
had fallen away. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


23 


Rene thanked his host, who wished him good night, 
telling him that he would return at an early hour next 
morning to awake him. 

When left alone, Rene began to reflect on the events of 
the day. The remembrance of the young maiden never 
departed from his mind. He walked to and fro for a 
long time, thinking of her, then wearied and fatigued 
he threw himself upon his knees, said his prayers 
and retired to his bed, after placing his two pistols near 
the head of his bed. 

The excitement of the day, the fatigues of his jour- 
ney and the emotions of his agitated heart, had brought 
on a slight fever, consequently his sleep was troubled, 
his breathing difficult and painful. 

Suddenly he hears a strange noise — the sound of 
clanking chains. A trap door opens near his bed and 
men with hideous countenances, armed with axes and 
sabres, and trailing iron chains, which made a most 
terrible and unearthly noise, were seen issuing forth 
and approaching towards his bed. 

Rene, on beholding this, felt a chill running through 
every fibre of his body, but habituated to danger, and 
always self-possessed in the face of peril, he quickly 
stretched out his hand, and grasping one of his pistols, 
fired at the first one who was approaching. 

The ball struck the ceiling, dislodging a large piece 
of the plaster, which, falling, covered him dust and 
debris. 

Rene at the same moment awoke. It was a dream. 

In the morning when his host, whose name wa^ 
McNamara, came to awake him, Rene related to hiri* 


24 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


the event of the night, and pointed out to him the 
hole that the ball had made in the ceiling. 

They returned early to Norfolk. Rene gave him his 
Maltese cross, ornamented with a flenr de Its , to present 
to his mother as a souvenir of the hospitality he had 
received from her. 

McNamara conducted him to the church and intro- 
duced him to the old Catholic missionary, Fere Souel. 

Fere Souel became thenceforward the friend and 
confidant of Rene. We will meet him again at another 
time when we will also find Rene seated at the hospit- 
able fire of the Natchez, and bowed down by a new 
and overwhelming misfortune. There under the wig- 
warn of the prairies, beneath the tent of the old Choc- 
taw, smoking the calumet of peace, Rene will relate to 
Fere Souel the history of Rene and Atala, which has 
charmed the world by the magic of its style. 

When Rene and McNamara separated it was with a 
promise to meet again soon ; they were already like old 
friends, united together by a bond of mutual sympathy. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


25 


III. 


Rene continued to visit the church. The young 
maiden had observed him. A mutual but silent sym- 
pathy, and a communion of faith had already united 
them. 

Rene had an opportunity to observe her whilst she 
was praying 

Her brow was marked by grace and dignity, and 
bore the impress of sincere religious poetry. She was 
tall and graceful, whilst her luxuriant black hair flowed 
in wavy tresses poetically around her head. 

A bewitching smile seemed playing constantly on her 
delicately formed mouth. The countenance is the mir- 
ror of the soul, and a sweetness and indescribable 
goodness always betrayed themselves in hers. 

You would feel yourself irresistibly drawn towards 
her by her evident sincerity and truthfulness, and 
when her eyes, lightly shaded by her gracefully arched 
eyebrows, were directed upon you, it seemed as if their 
glance penetrated the very depths of your soul, and 
filled your heart with a sudden thrill of emotion. 

4 


26 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


Her simple yet dignified manner heightened still 
more the charm and grace of her person. She seemed 
like a Castellana of the Middle Ages — like an enchan- 
tress with letters patent of aristocratic nobility. 

He learned afterwards that to all these natural en- 
dowments there was added the gift of a most happy in- 
tellect. She loved study and applied herself to it most 
ardently. She had no taste for the pleasures of the 
world. 

Sensible and good she was the refuge and protectress 
of the unfortunate. Even when a child she was wont 
to share with her little companions the trifles that are 
usually given to children, and oftentimes deprived her- 
self, that she might contribute to the pleasure and en- 
joyment of others 

Grown now to womanhood, the sentiments of her 
heart were revealed by her charity. Victims of crtfel 
fate would come and relate to her their griefs and sor- 
rows j she would weep with them and console them. 

If she possessed all the charms of womanly beauty, 
particularly was she distinguished and marked out in 
advance as a favorite of heaven by that goodness of 
heart alluded to in the sacred text which says that, 
kt Much shall be forgiven her because she has loved 
much — words uttered by Christ himself who gave 
even his life for the love of humanity ) it was this 
quality of heart that Lacordaire, in one of his brilliant 
improvisations, designated as the most divine gift, when 
he said, “ I prefer the dust of the heart to the dust of 
genius.” This divine flame of charity emanating from 
God formed the halo that encircled her virginal brow. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


■ 27 

and caused every heart to open to her. Hence she was 
called the Pearl of Norfolk, though her name was 
Flora, the emblem of perfume and beauty, and when 
she would pass along the street every one would be 
eager to salute her and greet her with a smile. 

This silent sympathy which was mutually experien- 
ced by them at a distance, this magnetic current be- 
tween two hearts, which understood one another, 
though no word had been spoken or avowal made, 
finally terminated one day by drawing them together.' 

Chateaubriand met the young person one evening at 
an entertainment. He was introduced to her. It 
seemed to him that this was the happiest day of his 
life. Every sound of her voice entered deeply into his 
soul. It was like celestial music — an enchanting har- 
mony, which thrilled every fibre of his organization, 

and filled his soul with the intoxication of delight. 

& . 

So long had they known one another that their 
meeting was free from all embarrassment. They had 
already been friends even before they had spoken to 
one another. 

Several months elapsed since this interview, during 
which time they saw one another frequently in the 
same house. A sweet union of souls was formed be- 
tween them ; they lived but for one another. Every 
Sunday after divine service Rene accompanied the 
young maiden to the door of her dwelling. 

Endowed with a firm and energetic character, Flora 
was accustomed to reflect for a long time before form- 
ing a resolution, but no sooner had she decided than 
she would begin to carry her purpose through. There 


28 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


was then no hesitation or wavering. It was, therefore, 
that after leaving one of these evening parties, at 
which she had spoken to Rene with less restraint and 
with more gaiety than usual, she said to him : 

‘•You will come, will you not, to Pere Souel’s mass 
to-morrow morning. I wish to see you there. ” 

Rene signified by a respectful bow that he would do 
so, and then withdrew. 

Early the next morning as theclock was heard strik- 
ing five, she was seen wending her way to church asshe 
was in the habit of doing every morning. 

Rene was standing there leaning against the wall of 
the vestibule. He had been there since three o’clock, 
so great was his impatience. He felt a presentiment that 
this meeting at the church would have an influence on 
his destiny. 

When Flora made her appearance, he went to meet 
her, and bowed respectfully. 

“ Here, she said, is what I intended for you this long 
time. ” 

Rene saw a gold ring shining on her finger; trans- 
ported with joy he took it from her hand — it was her 
token of fidelity. At the same time he drew from his 
own finger a ring set with a stone, on which was en- 
graved his coat of arms, and which for eight hundred 
years had been transmitted as an heir-loom in the family, 
from father to the eldest son, who bore the family title. 

This is my pledge, said Rene ; you will return it 
when 

Flora took the ring, and inclining her head, entered 
the church. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK, 


29 


No sooner was the mass of Father Souel ended than 
Rene, rising, took Flora by the hand, and advanced to- 
wards the altar, at the moment the priest was descend- 
ing from it. 

“ Give us your blessing, Father, said he; only an hour 
ago were we affianced, and some day you will unite ns 
in marriage. ” 

Father Souel extended his hand over them, invok- 
ing the Eternal blessing. 

This union, the sentiment of which was revealed at 
the foot of the holy altar, was sealed and consecrated by 
mutual pledges of fidelity. 


30 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK, 


IV. 


Rene from this moment commenced to believe in his 
happiness. During’ the succeeding days he manifested 
the charm of an apparent tranquility, though he was 
nevertheless a prey to a secret internal agitation of 
heart, and even sometimes to a settled calm of dejec- 
tion, which not unfrequently proceeds from a state of 
mental and moral prostration. 

Alone with his own thoughts — a stranger in a strange 
city — he sought refuge in the intellectual and literary 
world — in that charming life where the labor of thought 
is all-absorbing day and night, and relieves the weary 
hours of their dullness and their long and sterile 
ennui. 

Though young, his mind trained in the severe school 
of adversity and misfortune, had attained the develop- 
ment of maturer years. He reflected on the depravity 
of men, and the events that afflicted his unhappy coun- 
try. He beheld with grief, society denying Christ 
under pretext of philosophic progress. It had denied 
and lost its God, and without law or restraint was hast- 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


31 


ening rapidly to dissolution, a prey to morbid doubt 
and scepticism. 

Then it was that he conceived a plan. He will re- 
establish the cross in the hearts of men. He will 
point out to them the noble and sublime end of life — 
an end celestial and eternal. He will point out to 
minds electrified and led astray by false and pompous 
declamations, the path that leads to true peace and 
happiness, which since the Christian era has been 
taught for eighteen centuries. It was then that he con- 
ceived the plan of his immortal work, “the Genius of 
Christianity. ” 

A refugee on American soil, which had been watered 
with the blood of the Breton nobility, and having en- 
rolled himself in the crusade for liberty, he admired in 
a special manner the free institutions of this country, 
which accord to each man the exercise of that inborn 
right of liberty and independence. 

Being a Breton and a nobleman, he was as free and 
independent as the air of the forests and mountains of 
his native home. He had imbibed with his native air 
that spirit of liberty which every honest manclaims in 
conscience as a right conferred by God on his rational 
creatures, whilst he deplored at the same time the 
crimes committed by misguided men in the name of 
that liberty which they outraged. 

This liberty he defended when he attained to influ- 
ence and power in his own country ; he invoked it3 
sacred name as the emblem of his political princi- 
ples. 

The regenerating breath of his genius reanimated the 


32 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


Government of the Restoration, the most liberal govern 
ment that France had experienced for a century, and 
imparted inspiration to Villele, Royer Collard, Benja- 
min Constant and Montalambert 

Such were the thoughts that were awakened in his 
mind by the confused voices of the solitude in which 
he had sought refuge. The grandeur and sublimity of 
the natural scenery were well calculated to entertain 
and develop these ideas. Nature, under the fa- 
vored sky of Virginia, revealed to his eyes its sub- 
lime and poetic beauties. The pure, invigorating 
air, the myriad tinted horizon with its ever- shifting 
draperies of rich and gorgeous hue, the ethereal nights 
illumined by myriads of brightly twinkling stars, that 
studded the cloudless expanse of the firmament, the 
rich vegetation, the majestic and impenetrable forests, 
enlivened by its melodious inhabitants of bright and 
variegated plumage, and carpeted with fragrant flowers 
of every hue, the emerald dome of luxuriant foliage, 
shaken at times by the deep terrific peals of thunder 
and suddenly illumined by the rapid and frequent 
lightning flash — all this impressed him with the gran- 
deur and majesty of the great Creator. 

These poetic sentiments occurring to him amid his 
vague reveries, were the realization of his dreams dur- 
ing the nights of the spring time. He had already ob- 
tained a foretaste of them, on the vessel that bore him 
to these happy shores, whose balmy odors wafted by the 
breezes across the ocean, diffused an indescribable 
sweetness in his soul that anxiously yearned to wing its 
flight towards this happy clime. Transported, as it 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


33 


were, out of the body, his soul obtained a glimpse of 
the delights of this charming country. 

A mysterious presentiment, which seemed to come 
from heaven, made him anticipate this meeting with 
Flora. He was enraptured over this bright page of 
his existence, and obtained a glimpse of that cherished 
being which inebriated his soul with the perfume and 
delight of heavenly poetry. Her charming influence 
impressed in his soul an enchanted vision of happiness. 

Frequently we portray in imagination the places we 
are about to visit and which we have never seen. Our 
souls fly as the electrical wings of thought beyond the 
limits of space, and deluded by fancy, we seem to enjoy 
a foretaste of the charming destiny that awaits us. 

Beneath this luminous and transparent veil our exis- 
tence rolls on, day by day, the scenes of life receiving 
therefrom their coloring and their form, and after the 
dream is over, leaving behind them a magnetic remem- 
brance which has its essence in the immortality of the 
soul and its subtle and expansive nature. 

Is not life one continual dream, and the days that 
succeed one another but gilded chimeras, darkened 
sometimes and obscured, and mingled smiles and tears ? 

When he wearied with this isolation Rene went to 
visit Fere Souel. It was long conversations with him 
that guided by his experience of the human heart that 
Rene derived those sublime ideas and philosophic doc- 
trines of Christianity. Frequently were they seen for 
hours together conversing, seated under the widely- 
spreading branches of the trees, in the deep solitude of 
the forest, far from the distracting intrusion of men. 


34 


THE PEARL OP NORFOLK. 




Frequent and intimate relations followed between 
Rene and Flora, since their engagement. They fre- 
quently met by the sea side, then Rene spoke to her of 
his native country, that was far beyond the sea; of his 
beloved Bretagne shaded with numerous forests ; of the 
moss covered Cross seen at the winding of the path ; 
of the “ Breton Prayer ” that the shepherd sang at the 
decline of day, sitting upon the summit of the hillock, 
where his flock of sheep were quietly browsing. 

The young lady listened to him with deep emotion. 
It was a mutual exchange of poetic perfume. It was 
in those interviews that Chateaubriand, who was al- 
_ ready meditating his immortal work, “ The Genius of 
. Christianity, " was inspired with the sublime ideas con- 
t lined in his writings. At times it was a charming 
expression, a fervent thought, a naive and sublime de- 
scription of the Christian Festivals. It was by times 
those moving and delicate traits of eloquence and feel- 
ing which the heart of a young lady only can produce. 

Rene, on returning home in the evening, made a note 


TIIE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


35 


of them, and with his brilliant pen clothed and colored 
them in his poetic tableaux. Night surprised them 
very often in those conversations, walking together on 
the sea-shore. The evening bell tolling the “Ange- 
lus ” awakened them from their reveries. Flora then 
began with her clear sonorous voice th*, canticle which 
Rene had dedicated to her. Her voice was lost upon 
the billows. The neighboring echo and the murmur of 
the waves responded and sang an accompaniment to 
her chant. 

Frequently they visited together the poor and the 
afflicted, and when Flora’s purse was empty, llene 
placed his own at her disposal. 

Every one spoke of the goodness, of the charity and of 
the piety of Flora. 

They were often seen promenading together under 
the shade of the large trees, Kene sometimes gathering 
wild flowers in order to present Flora with a bouquet. 

One evening when they were returning from one of 
these rural promenades, they met some wild young men 
near the city, who undulged in some unseemly remarks 
evidently intended for them. 

Chateaubriand was very much hurt at their insult- 
ing sarcasms, and requested the young lady to excuse 
him for a moment, and directed his steps towards 
them, and with a giave aspectsaid, ‘-Gentlemen, if you 
have so far forgotten yourselves as to insult a young, in- 
nocent girl, [ demand of each of you immediate satis- 
faction. “ Honni soit qui mol y pense,” and he pre- 
sented his card, upon which was written The Viscount 
Chateaubriand ; “ give me, therefore, yours in exchange, 


36 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


so that this matter can be settled satisfactorily, and to- 
morrow morning, at the entrance of this same grove, at 
sun-rise, the meeting can take place. ” 

Then returning where he had left Flora, he accom- 
panied her to her home. She had not the slightest 
knowledge of what had just passed, not having under- 
stood the full purport of the insult offered her, and no 
suspicion, whatever, of a slight having been intended. 

Chateaubriand, after taking leave of Flora, engaged 
a horse and immediately started to consult with his 
friend McNamara, for they had become fast friends since 
their late interview in the country, and loved one another 
as brothers, sharing together their griefs and their 

j°y s - 

McNamara approved of what Rene had done, and 
declared he would be his second in the duel and revenge 
his death if necessary. 

Chateaubriand slept this night agair^in the famous 
Ghost Pavillion, but nothing troubled his sleep, and at 
day-break he was at the rendezvous. 

The three young men, with their friends, soon after- 
wards appeared. 

The combatants soon put themselves en garde , sword 
in hand, and although the combat was for a length of 
time lively and uncertain, Chateaubriand finally wounded 
his first two adversaries. Here a short stay of proceed- 
ings was demanded, and the witnesses wished to stop 
further bloodshed, declaring that honor was perfectly 
satisfied. 

Chateaubriand refused to accede to this arrangement. 
It is not, said he, my own honor that I defend, but that 


37 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 

of outraged innocence; therefore I wish to have entire 
satisfaction. 

The third was soon, also, put Jiors de combat , and in 
the last passage of arms, Rene received a slight sabre 
cut in the guard arm. 

Just at this moment a piercing cry was heard, and 
Flora appeared at the end of the grove, pale and agU 
tated. Reing informed the evening before of what was 
going to happen, she made efforts to find Rene and en? 
treat him not to expose himself on her account, but all 
her efforts to find him were useless, lie had then gone 
to meet his friend McNamara. 

Flora had passed the night in prayer, and early in the 
morning had formed the resolution to go out and throw 
herself between the combatants in order to stop the duel ; 
but fatigue and emotion combined to retard her footsteps, 
and she did not arrive at the place of the meeting until 
the combat had just been finished. zYn old negress, her 
servant, followed and supported her through the ordeal. 

McNamara advanced to meet Flora, and assured her 
that all the wound.* given and received were but slight. 

Rene was staunching, with his handkerchief, the 
blood that was flowing from his hand, when Father 
Souel was seen approaching, walking, apparently, with 
great difficulty. He came in the name of religion to 
use his influence in preventing the duel. 

u My*bhildren,” cried the venerable old man, as soon 
as he was near enough to be heard, “ Clod does not allow 
you to risk your life and that of your neighbor. You 
have come to tempt Divine' Providence. Beware! lest 
you call down upon your heads His just anger and in- 


38 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


dignation, and now swear to me that never, henceforth, 
will you have recourse to arms in order to avenge an 
injury. I may demand this oath of you, for I also, un- 
fortunately, have experienced in my youth the evil effects 
of these worldly prejudices. ” Saying these words, he 
then threw back from his breast a fold of his mantle 
and exposed a brilliant cross of the order of St. Louis. 
Before taking holy orders he had served in the military 
profession and had earned his decorations and insignia 
of honor on hard fought fields of battle at the price of 
many wounds. 

“Rene,” said he, turning to him, “how could you 
forget so far your religious principles as to yield to a 
movement of anger? Had you consulted your heart, it 
would have said to you — pardon Rene. It would have 
reminded you of the duty of fraternal charity, the life 
and foundation of our faith. Heaven has no storms 
for the wicked — its goodness holds out mercy to them 
and pardons their wicked instincts.” 

We are all born guilty. Original sin wages continual 
war against our life. Vice destroys the harmony of na- 
ture. Oh ! how happy men would be, did but brotherly 
love guide their footsteps through life. Society regen- 
erated by this divine principle would number none but 
happy days. Mutual forgiveness of injuries would ce- 
ment the bonds of peace. A continual song of joy and 
happiness would be heard upon earth, and upon Gol- 
gotha there would gleam forth a bright ray of divine 
charity which would light up the darkness of humanity. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


39 


VI. 


This devoted interest that Flora manifested, was for 
Rene unmistakable evidence of her attachment to him. 
Henceforward he could rely on her affection for him. 
His heart swelled with pride. He possessed her entire 
soul. He had such need of consolation, and of a lov- 
ing and devoted heart, into which he could pour out 
the effusion of his loving and sensitive soul. 

His youthful days had been passed amidst political 
tempests, and he had experienced in the sunshine of 
his existence the most cruel and distressing trials. He 
had witnessed his family massacred during the Revolu- 
tion and had joined, although scarcely passed his boy- 
hood, the other gentlemen in the army of de Conde for 
the defense of the throne and the altar. Wounded at 
the siege of Thionville he was left for dead in a ditch , 
and after the loss of the unfortunate campaign of 
Princes, and the dissolution of their army, was en- 
abled by extraordinary efforts to make his way 
to England. Here pursued by ennui he em- 
barked in a few days to seek his fortune in the 


40 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


New World. Up to this time some literary works from 
his own pen had already been published and he thought 
that amid the shades and vast solitudes of the Ameri- 
can forests, and under the People’s benignant rule he 
would be enabled to gather new and additional force 
for his imagination. The idea of seeing these scenes 
of nature, so brilliant and beautiful, attracted his en- 
tire attention. 

It was, therefore, during his emigration to Florida 
that he had been ship-wrecked in the Bay of Norfolk. 
The debut was not fortunate, nor did it augur well for 
the future, but the most illusive dreams of happiness 
took possession of his heart, and to them he abandoned 
himself with all the ardor of his young soul 

Happiness ! what is this magical word, this enchant- 
ing music, which makes the heart palpitate? Every 
body in the world follows it. Civilized man searches 
after it in the various pleasures of this mundane sphere. 
'The Indian and the savage in their leafy huts dreams 
of the same ideal. . I do not know who that bears a 
name in any language that does not consult his own 
happiness, whilst time undermines and destroys like a 
stroke of lightning this dazzling scaffolding of illu- 
sions. 

All happiness is but a dream. Rene had also expe- 
rienced this happiness. He was no longer alone. A 
nymph, Egerie, suddenly appeared in the sky of his 
destiny, and filled his poetic soul with inspiration. He 
had seen all his family go down to the grave. All that 
had been dear to him was no more. His country even 
was no more to him, and he gave himself up to his il- 
5 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


41 


lusions, everything was replaced, a cherished image 
filled up the void in his soul. 

After the misty skies of his native country had been 
succeeded by that of the dazzling sun of Virginia, his 
blood ran fresh in his veins. Fresh ardor and courage 
took possession of his heart. A new experience, a 
new, pure and delightful horizon bordered his exis- 
tence, and in the bounty of nature he saw the gran- 
deur of the Supreme Being. 

Norfolk was then only a very small town, and some 
fishermens’ cabins might be seen dotting the beach 
here and there. 

Impenetrable virgin forests stretched themselves 
out to the very edge of the sea. It was a little ham- 
let as it were nestling on the border of a magnificent 
bay which at a later period was to become one of the 
most important harbors of the Atlantic seaboard 

But this future was already destined to it from its 
origin — for Norfolk was a seaport long before Balti- 
more, Philadelphia, or even New York Thus in their 
infancy we beheld the people of the Carthagenians, 
the Phenicians, and at a later period the Normans, 
impelled by the spirit of adventure, braving the for- 
tune of the sea with that boldness and daring that 
characterize maritime genius. 

The State of Virginia belonged formerly to the 
crown of Charles II., King of England, and Norfolk 
was divided into two counties — the Counties of Norfolk 
and Princess Anne — the latter named after the Princess 
Anne, daughter of James IT., when she ascended the 
throne of England. With the exception of some 
6 


42 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


houses scattered here and there along the bay, and 
occupied by old colonists, and some isolated plantations 
buried in the forests, Norfolk had, in fact, no other 
monuments than some churches, a little wooden chapel 
and a mission house occupied by Pere Souel, who had 
passed his life in the conversion of the savages. At 
this time Catholic missionaries were spread through all 
the countries of North America, sowing the seeds of 
civilization and teaching the precepts of a Christian 
life. 

The port, or rather the bay, which later was called 
the port of Norfolk, was then rarely visited by ships 
of the larger size. Some small vessels went to Europe 
and bartered their own products for European mer- 
chandise. 

Several persons in Norfolk had amassed quite a com- 
petence in this traffic. The maritime trade alone was 
the life of the city. 

One of these vessels had just arrived in Norfolk 
and her captain was the father of Flora, who having 
for sometime been absent and engaged in this kind of 
business, had returned to spend the remainder of his 
days in the bosom of his family, and near his cherished 
daughter. 

This sudden arrival surprised the young maiden in 
her relations with Rene. Living alone with her vene- 
rable grandmother, during the absence of her father, 
she was indulged in all the caprices of a spoiled yet 
cherished child. 

The joy of seeing her father was, however, as real 
as it was unexpected. As a respectful and dutiful 


THE PEARL OP NORFOLK. 


43 


daughter she only saw in her father a protector; a 
friend who thought only of making her life happy. 

Two days had passed since the arrival of her father, 
during which time she had not seen Rene, nor had she 
dared to make known to her father her love and devo- 
tion to him. 

Towards the evening of the last of these days the 
father wished to have a private interview with his 
daughter, and impart to her some projects which he 
had concerning her future happiness. 

He had learned that during his absence his daughter 
had made the acquaintance of Rene. He felt uneasy 
about it because he had formed other plans for her. 
He had become acquainted during his voyages with a 
young sailor, and had taken the resolution of making 
him his son-in-law by marrying him to Flora. 

This for his daughter would be what her relations 
would term a suitable marriage, one of those mar- 
riages that are commonly called marriages of reason 
and convenience. 

It unites two beings in little sympathy with one 
another, and almost in every case the consequence is 
that the husband finishes up by dissolving the conju- 
gal relationship, and giving himself up to various dis- 
orders ; whilst the young woman wearied by a life of 
grief and chagrin with a person who has no empire 
either over her heart or sentiments, delivers herself 
up to the dangers of the world, and plunges recklessly 
into the wild torrent of pleasures, and thus a lovely 
and sweet nature, endowed with every virtue necessary 
to contribute to conjugal happiness, is transformed by 
a sad fatality into a monster of disorder and an object 
of public scandal. 


44 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


VII. 


Flora’s father resolved to speak to his daughter con- 
cerning it. 

u Flora,” said he, taking her affectionately by the 
hand one evening, “ You do not surely doubt my pater- 
nal feeling for you ? I have, therefore, thought much 
of your future happiness.” 

A blush overspread the countenance of Flora. 

He stopped short an instant as if hesitating, then 
continued : I have then thought of your happiness and 
of marrying you, my child. 

Is it I, Father? replied Flora, greatly astonished; 
who is it then who demands my hand in marriage ? 

She fixed upon her father one of her penetrating and 
inquiring looks 

Did you then not see him yesterday ? the young man 
who came along with me, who is called John. 

Is it he, replied Flora? Never! 

“Look here, my child, replied he, I know all. I 
know that during my absence you have made the ac- 
quaintance of a young stranger ; but, my daughter, at 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


45 


your age one never reflects. It is not the heart alone 
that is necessary to be consulted in regard to mar- 
riage. 

I understand you, I think, said she in return. A 
father always undertakes to find a husband who he 
thinks will be suitable for his daughter, at least every 
father thinks in this way, but they are often sadly mis- 
taken. 

But as for me I think otherwise; John does not suit 
my taste. No ! No ! and she pressed the hands of her 
father as the tears commenced to fall from her eyes, 
and she retired quickly in order to shut herself up in 
her own chamber. 

This business is more serious than I apprehended, 
said the father; but I have used only kind words to- 
day, I shall use my authority to-morrow. 

The next morning at breakfast, John was seated con- 
venient to Flora. He was an insignificant young man, 
without education, and consequently was in little har- 
mony with Flora, who was of refined intelligence, de- 
veloped by a finished education. 

Flora’s father partook of his breakfast as usual, a'* if 
nothing had passed between himself and daughter, and 
affected to make it appear as if he thought this marriage 
had been already concluded, and sometimes introduced 
into his conversation, phrases like the following: “ When 
you will be married my children,” &c., and at the end of 
the breakfast he hastily arose from the table saying, let 
us go, John. We must away and procure the license 
for your marriage. 

Flora, in the meantime, remained perfectly calm, like 


46 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


a resolute girl, and occupied herself as usual with her 
household duties. 

When her father and her future husband had left, 
ehe ran into her own chamber. Witn her usual energy 
of character she had concealed her emotion, but when 
she found herself alone, her heart immediately yielded 
and tears and sobs followed in succession. 

After a short time she rose up quickly as if she had 
taken a new resolution, and dressing herself promptly, 
she left the house; she ran to the church in which she 
remained prostrate for some instants, and then hastened 
towards the spot where she had been accustomed to 
find Rene. 

He was seated beneath a tree dreamy and pensive. 
His eyes ever and anon scanning the horizon to dis- 
cover some vessel that might perchance be bringing to 
him good tidings from his beloved France. 

But if adversity still pursues him, if the revolu- 
tionary troubles of his country deprives him of his 
paternal possessions, is he not, after all, a man ? Has 
not God. endowed him with talents? He will then 
produce a work whose echo will sound his fame 
throughout, the entire world. His pen will repair his 
broken fortunes His work will be the product of his 
intellect. Such were the thoughts that rushed tumul- 
tuously through his feverish and agitated brain. 
Strange deception of the human heart! gilded illu- 
sion ! fatal precurser of a more fatal reality ! 

Man hopes on, hopes ever, even on the very brink 
of the abyss. 

The flowers strewed along his pathway conceal the 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


47 


enemy that lurks behind the ambush. He abandons 
himself to the joy of hope. He opens his heart to 
gladness whilst adversity is on the watch to change his 
mirth into sorrow, his happiness into misery, and at 
the very moment the heavens are the most unclouded, 
the sky the brightest, the most serene and smiling, he 
will behold a dark and sombre cloud of adversity lift- 
ing itself above the horizon. 

So did Rene indulge himself in his fond chimera of 
felicity at the very moment a terrible thunderbolt was 
preparing to burst upon his head. 

He had not seen Flora for three days past, and was 
only happy when he met her, and would have wished 
her to be always near to him. 

As soon as she appeared to him he immediately arose 
and ran towards her, and when he came close he sud- 
denly stopped. 

She appeared to be so much changed during the two 
days past; pale and haggard, with the eyes red and 
bloodshot. 

Tell me, I pray you, what is the matter? he said to 
her. 

Nothing, replied Flora; but that my father has 
arrived ! 

Oh ! then replied Rene, it ought to be a day of hap- 
piness for you. 

No! No! Rene, said she, (it was the first time that 
she had called him by name); No! we are lost! My 
father wishes to marry me to another ! and the tears 
commenced to run down her cheeks. 

Rene stepped back a pace, and at the same moment 


48 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


the father of Flora appeared at the corner of the 
street. 

I will withdraw then, said Rene. Have courage. 
God is good and all powerful, and it may be that your 
father will change his determination. But never under 
any circumstances forget this precept of the Most 
High — “ Honor thy father and thy mother.” 

Yes, answered she, with a sad and thoughtful air. 
Then suddenly raising her head as if under a strong 
and feverish excitement, she added, Yes, yes, but God 
wills what woman wills. 

She cast on Rene one of those penetrating glances, 
like the lightning flash that announces the thunder- 
bolt. Her eyes sparkled, and her firmly compressed 
lips gave evidence of a bold and determined purpose. 

Rene’s cheeks blanched with terror. He had caught 
a momentary glimpse of the terrible abyss. The heart 
of a woman makes no compromise. Following its im- 
pulses she braves the greatest perils, triumphs over 
difficulties the most extreme. 

That heart has never yet been fathomed. It will 
continue a mystery until the end of time. 

Rene then withdrew, and Flora went to meet her 
father. He did not reproach her, however, and they 
walked home in silence. 

The Feather of Flora was what is commonly called a 
brave man. Devoted since his earliest manhood to the 
profession of a sailor, he had experienced more gales 
of wind than he had read books. 

He was, therefore, perfectly indifferent to everything 
that passed outside of his own ordinary routine, which 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


49 


was regulated like the chronometer on ship-board, pro- 
vided that his four meals were served at the appointed 
hour, and that he had during the evening some old sea 
dogs, like himself, with whom to converse on the affairs 
of the ocean, otherwise he cared but little whether the 
earth revolved or stood still. 

Although he had not been fondled when a child 
upon the knees of a duchess, repeating in his ears the 
old adage of the French nobility, “ Dieu , ma Dame , 
et mon Roi ,” he had, nevertheless, a noble heart, and 
enjoyed at home much of the public respect and esteem. 

He had now become old and was preparing for his 
declining days, and had. therefore* come home with a 
son-in-law in his pocket for his daughter, as it were an 
Indian Cashmere shawl. He had neither sought after 
nor chosen this son-in-law, but had found him by chance 
already made to hand, sailor to sailor. 

In the evening they chatted together of larboard 
and starboard, &c. 

The daughter occupied herself with the cares of the 
household, and in the meanwhile was happy. 

Her father had arranged in advance his plans for 
the future. 

As to Rene, he had nothing to say against him ; he 
only knew that he was the descendant of an illustrious 
family, whom the terrors of the Revolution had caused 
to emigrate. As to the talents which he possessed and 
which his daughter had spoken to him of, he scarcely 
understood what the thing meant. His education had 
not developed itself to that point. 

7 


50 


THE PEA RE OF NORFOEK. 


VIII. 


In the meantime Rene entered his house. Shutting 
the door and windows of his chamber, he threw him- 
self into the arm chair before the table upon which he 
was in the habit of writing, and placed his head be- 
tween his two hands. He was overwhelmed and com- 
pletely prostrated, and retained an immovable posture 
for more than an hour. 

It would be impossible to describe the feelings that 
passed through his mind, so crushing and terrible was 
the blow. He then arose and commenced to walk 
about, anguish depicted on his countenance, his brow 
placid and contracted by turns, his black eye brows 
drawn closely together, his head rolling from side to 
side like a man in intoxication, his limbs trembling, his 
teeth chattering, and these words alone escaping his 
lips : 

May she be as happy as my grief will be eternal. 

The very essence of the philosophy of Christianity 
was contained in these simple words brought forth 
under the despair of Rene. The skeptic would have 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


51 


breathed forth his grief with curses and anger, and 
suicide is often his only means of escape from the ills 
of life. 

The Christian soul rises above the misfortunes of 
this terrestrial life. It elevates itself to the heavens. 
The Eternal God will be its succor, its consolation : 
incomprehensible sublimity, holy faith, the balm which 
calms every troubled or wounded heart. 

God says unto it. “Resignation ! ” 

It obeys j it hopes. 

Three days and three nights he passed without sleep 
and without partaking of nourishment of any kind, 
whilst he remained in this state of mental torture. 
Sometimes walking, sometimes sitting, the tears in the 
meantime coursing down his cheeks, but not an excla- 
mation, nor a word of any kind escaped from his lips. 

McNamara had become impatient to see Rene, not 
having heard ought of him for sometime. He huiried 
to his place of residence and rapped at the door. 

Rene opened the door and immediately threw him- 
self into his arms. Rene could only articulate a few 
words. My friend — the thunderbolt! — the thunder- 
bolt has fallen upon me ! 

In the meantime Flora had returned to her home 
with her father. He did not speak to her during the 
evening. 

Calm and perfectly master of himself, he did not 
even seem to doubt of his daughter’s obedience. He 
was one of those haughty men whose character never 
yields. He had pronounced judgment, and his will 
required it to be executed. 


52 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


The same evening he gave a grand ball, where all 
the elegance of Norfolk was invited. Flora made her 
appearance, more brilliant and more dazzling with 
freshness and with youth than ever. 

ft was remarked, however, that her physiognomy 
had an appearance more severe than usual. From time 
to time she was seen raising her eyes towards heaven, 
as if some serious thought was crossing her mind. She 
seemed even indifferent to the exciting ball, to her 
splendid attire, to the bright lustres, to the garland of 
flowers decorating the cornices, to the harmonies of 
the music resounding through the hall. 

At day break the doors were closed. The company 
had retired. 

Flora entered her apartment, placed herself before 
the mirror, throwing a last look on her charming 
toilet, then glancing at the flowers in the wreath which 
adorned her head, removed the diamonds, the charms, 
the laces, and all her finery ; she dressed herself in a 
simple black dress. 

She afterwards opened her window and contemplated 
with melancholy manner the splendid sky in its ma- 
jestic serenity. 

The pure and fresh morning air, perfumed with the 
odor of magnolias, exhaled gushes of delicious and 
exhilarating sweetness. It calmed her heated head, 
like the celestial dew, which extinguishes every night 
in the lilies and the daisies the burning vapors of the 
day. 

She then sat down to her table and wrote a letter to 
Rene. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


53 


The clock striking five she arose, and after sealing 
the letter, which she placed in her secretary, she put 
on a black hat and a black veil and furtively went out. 

It was scarcely daylight. The street lamps yet gave 
their dim light. The streets were nearly deserted, 
some few travellers and some workmen going to their 
daily labor, walking hurriedly, and along the sidewalks 
was seen the dark shadow of a graceful and fairy-like 
form, passing amongst them and going towards the 
mission chapel. 

Flora was going to confide herself to her Grod. 

After the mass she returned home, and called her 
old servant in her room. 

Jennie, said she to her, I will ask you a last favor. 

Jennie looked up with eager eyes. 

Flora was pale as death, her hands trembling. 

I do not know, my dear Jennie, what is going to 
happen to me, but promise me on your word to deliver 
personally this letter to Rene. You will find it in my 
secretary ; here is the key. 

Jennie, who had been a witness to all the griefs and 
trials of her pure mistress, took the key and went out 
of the room sobbing. 

Flora had a friend who resided in Portsmouth. She 
was named Mariette. Everything in nature has its 
affinity. Everything tends to union and harmony in the 
same manner as unlikes constantly repel. 

The dove does not mate with the vulture — the but- 
terfly with the hornet — the good and sensible being 
with the wicked, cruel and egotistic. 

Mariette was endowed with a privileged nature. 


54 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


From seeing those two friends constantly together pop- 
ular favor had conferred on Mariette, as it had done for 
Flora, the characteristic name of Lily of Portsmouth, a 
name quite in harmony with her blonde hair and her 
delicate complexion that rivalled the lily and the rose. 

Generous and candid soul, imbued with a holy faith, 
she had met Flora in the world, and like two sensitive 
flowers bent by the wind they inclined towards one 
another under the charm of a sweet friendship. 

The heart has its instincts that never deceive — as the 
magnet attracts the iron — so do two souls feel themselves 
drawn by a natural attraction ; the same inclination 
guides them, unites them and cements that alliance or 
bond of friendship which nothing can dissolve. A 
mutual exchange of the purest love and devotion ani- 
mates their souls. Friendship has been known to endure 
all the trials of life, and brave the greatest perils rather 
than sever that chain of sentiments uniting two hearts. 

As Norfolk and Portsmouth are twin sisters, separated 
only by a sheet of limpid water, Flora and Mariette 
lived together in close intimacy. Their joys and their 
griefs were common to both. Their maiden dreams 
were the same, and each one was about to enter into life 
with her affianced. 

But the heart has its mysterious folds — and in a 
moment it can stray — and vacillate under the influence 
of human weakness. 

Flora had chosen her affianced. Her heart had 
spoken, her reason had approved, and her decision was 
irrevocable. She had confided her life to Bene. 

She was his forever. She had nothing more to de- 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


55 


sire; all her sentiments of affection, all her desires of 
happiness were at their height. 

Mariette in her choice had experienced a transient 
attraction, a momentary affection, rather than a resolu- 
tion matured by reflection. 

It happened, therefore, that her heart, one day, ex- 
perienced a feeling for another ; her first dream was 
not complete. Trouble glided into her soul, then inde- 
cision surprised and threatened her. Her mind, ir her 
perplexity, was a prey to cruel doubts of her affection, 
and she asked herself this terrible question, Which one 
ought she love ? Which one should open her pathway 
to happiness in this life ? 

Thus, by a strange contradiction in human things, 
Flora was struggling in despair against the tempest 
that sought to separate her from her betrothed, whilst 
Mariette, experiencing a new sentiment, was struggling 
to disengage herself from her first vow. 

For both it was a misfortune. Grief with all its bit- 
terness, with all its terrible weight of moral suffering 
awaited them. 

Flora received, at this moment, from Mariette, the 
following letter : 

Dear Flora : 

Night on its every return tells me that you are happy ! One sole 
dream sweetens your slumbers. One sole thought lulls you into a 
gentle sleep. It is he — it is Rene — it is he alone ! 

Ah ! how my heart envies your happiness ! What a calm, what a se- 
renity in your soul ! What trouble and consternation in mine ! An- 
guish racks and tears my soul with all the horrors of death. What a 
strange feeling tortures my life. 

I, also, was happy once like you. Every day contributed its share 
of happiness . Every echo repeated to me those words expressed 


56 


THE PEART OF NORFOLK. 


with all the burning ardor of my soul, “ I love him.” Like you I was 
affianced, when suddenly with the rapidity of a lighting-flash, the 
storm burst upon me, and darkness impenetrable now surrounds me; 
shall I tell you? Ought I make the confession? No, never 
would I have the courage : my heart is troubled for another. Two 
horizons present themselves before me. My life is divided. No lon- 
ger do I know which is my affianced ; a burning indecision besieges 
me at every moment and envelops me in its fatal cloud. Can the heart 
thus change its idols and transfer its affections to another object ? 
Oh ! vanity of the world, how truly are you real ! The sand is not more 
uncertain and shifting than our affections. This deceitful flame 
that consumes our youth, is as suddenly enkindled and extinguished 
like those forked fires that plough the darkness of a stormy night — 
like those waves that dash against the shore, expiring one after the 
other, and dying together on the same rock which rises up like a 
tomb-stone over their nothingness. 

How delusive and transient are our impressions! We bend like 
the rosebush to every wind ; our emotions are ever dissolving chim- 
eras; cloud-like dreams wafted along by the tempest, bright and 
dazzling illusions tinted by the rainbow, which the showers of spring- 
time painted in the heavens. 

No, Flora, we should not extend our affections to others. Once 
the heart has chosen, we should remain faithful to its vow. We should 
close up the wound for ever. 

Let us retain our betrothed, and not allow ourselves to be carried 
away by the currents of the world. Let us open our hearts to God. 
Prayer will restore to us calm and tranquility. Duty imposes silence 
on our inordinate affections. 

The bird choses its mate and remains ever faithful. Every spring 
brings back the same flowers in the valley. Echo repeats the same 
sound. Shall, then, the human heart alone be inconstant and un- 
faithful ? 

Oh ! let faith save us, in the shadow of the altar let us ask of God 
the grace of sustaining our weakness, and to look down with pity on 
his humble creature prostrated at his feet. May the solemn con- 
stancy of God descend upon us from above ! 

Let us pray, my dear friend ; prayer gives courage and sustains our 
souls amid the dangers of life. The soul that bows down before the 
altar can never perish — like a brazen monument it will stand erect 
and uninjured amid all the storms of life. 

Receive my love, 

Mariette. 

Flora had just finished reading this letter when 
Mariette entered the room. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


57 


The two friends clasped each other in a mutual em- 
brace of love. 

A deep silence kept them for a moment in suspense. 
They understood one another perfectly, but their emo- 
tion was so great as to prevent them from giving utter- 
ance to their feelings. 

“Dear Flora/’ said Mariette, at last breaking the - 
silence, “I have severed, broken all ties. I shall hence- 
forth remain faithful to my betrothed. I am no longer 
suffering from a fever of delirium.” Behold ! ex- 
claimed she, exhibiting to her the quiet and regular 
pulsations of her wrist. 

Flora remained silent and pensive. 

“Since I have been rescued now from danger I must 
think of you.” 

“ Have you seen Bene ? ” 

Flora continued to remain silent and immovable. 

“ Speak, my dear friend,” I entreat you ; “ speak,” 
implored Mariette, “your silence alarms me. You 
have no longer any confidence in me. Am I then no 
longer your best friend ? Let us see,” and she threw 
herself upon her neck and embraced her with an effu- 
sion of tears. 

“I. place my destiny in the hands of God,” answered 
Flora. “ I must resign myself to his will.” 

“ But does your father wish to sacrifice you to his 
caprice or rather to his want of judgment? and have 
you told Bene ? ” 

“No,” replied Flora; “if he knew all would he not 
go in his despair and seek vengeance on John ? Could 
I permit him to expose his life for me ? and has he not 
8 


58 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


promised Father Souel to renounce duelling forever ? ” 

“Well / 7 answered Mariette, “it is I then who will 
save you. I shall see Rene and tell him to present 
himself before your father.” 

No, Mariette, that would only serve to irritate my 
father. You do not know him. He believes that the 
winds ought to obey him when he gives a command. 
But do not be uneasy. With the help of God I have 
taken my resolution — I shall never be the wife of 
John — no, never ! 

Well, I am going to inform Bene of it. We must 
console him, and restore hope to his heart. I shall go 
immediately. 

“ Wait,” exclaimed Flora. 

“ No — no — immediately — at once I shall go ” — and 
she departed hastily. 

Flora then threw herself upon a sofa, repeating 
softly to herself : Oh ! friendship ! thy devotedness is, 
indeed, incomprehensible ! 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


59 


IX. 


Mariette was hastening away. 

As calm and tranquil and as perfectly mistress of 
herself as Flora was, so enthusiastic and excitable was 
Mariette. They were like fire and water, the gentle 
zephyr and the gale, the calm and the tempest. 

Flora yielded to reflection. Mariette allowed her- 
self to be carried away by impressions. The heart 
spoke in the one and was silent in the other. 

Different in nature and disposition, they resembled 
in one thing — for the sensibility and goodness of heart 
were alike and equal in both. It was only the expres- 
sion of their sentiments that constituted the difference 
between them, and the one did not excel the other in 
sweetness and goodness of disposition. 

Yes, answered Mariette, hastening on with a rapid 
step and speaking to herself. Yes, I must save them. 

Her countenance was flushed, her arms wildly agi- 
tated, and she elbowed and jostled the passers-by and 
her friends whom she met with in her way. 

What has happened to Mariette this morning ? was 


60 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


asked by every one who observed her hurried and ex- 
cited manner. What has befallen her ? Has her 
betrothed been taken from her? 

But Mariette continued on. hearing nothing, troub- 
ling herself with nothing. She went straight to her 
destination — to Rene. 

At the corner of a street she stood suddenly still. 
She perceived McNamara. 

She ran towards him. Come with me, she said to 
him hurriedly. 

Whither ? 

Follow me 

But whither ? 

It is no matter ; come, I wish it. 

McNamara followed her. 

She halted at Rene’s door. 

Rap, she said, I wish to see him immediately. 

But he is very ill. 

No matter, I wish to console him; I come from 
Flora. 

Heavens ! you have ? exclaimed Rene, on opening 
the door. 

Yes, said she, it is I, and with a witness. 

What do you wish of me ? 

She entered and deposited her shawl upon the sofa. 

Rene’s two pistols were lying upon the table. 

Are they loaded? enquired she. 

Perfectly. 

She took up one of them and aimed it at Rene’s 
breast. 

Rene smiled. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


61 


No, do not laugh, said she, it is very serious I assure 
you. 

Fire ! then, said Rene. 

Be it so, then. You give up your life to the first 
one that demands it of you. The indifference of a 
gentleman. 

When it is a woman that demands it, answered 
Rene. 

Swear now to obey me. 

I cannot. 

What, do you refuse ? 

No; but what do you demand of me? 

You have this minute given me your life — give me 
now your word. 

If what you ask is possible. 

It is possible. 

Then I consent, said Rene. 

Come with me to Flora’s father. 

Why? 

I will tell you at another time. 

You wish me then to surrender with my eyes closed ? 

Well, then, you do not love Flora ! 

Rene retreated a step and placed his hand upon his 
heart. 

No, no, continued she, you do not love her. Oh, 
men ! men ! trust yourself to them ! love them ! they 
are pleasing and amiable and agreeable as the dew \ 
but when danger comes, when it is necessary to give 
the least proof of their attachment and devotedness, 
you will not find them ; they vanish behind the cur- 
tain. 


62 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


Rene grew pale on hearing her severe reproaches, 
his fingers ran through his hair, his breast heaved 
under the pressure of a difficult and painful breathing. 

No, no, resumed she, men have no courage, no en- 
ergy. The least obstacle daunts them, the least diffi- 
culty discourages them. They are incapable of making 
the least effort to save themselves. It is only in 
woman that strength and decision of character, and 
action particularly, are to be found when the critical 
and decisive moment arrives. 

No, no ! you do not love Flora. Were I in your 
place I would not remain shut up in the house when 
fire has broken out and there is need to hasten to the 
scene of danger. I would go and see her father. I 
would explain to him my engagement with his daughter, 
and I would say to him, Give her to me in marriage 
or I shall set fire to Norfolk and burn the whole 
United States. 

Rene continued silent. 

What, added she, must I return to Flora and tell 
her that Rene loves her no longer ? 

My dear friend, answered Rene, your friendship for 
Flora prevents you from appreciating my sentiments 
towards her ; she is my life, my future, my only riches on 
the earth, all that is dearest to me in the world. You 
know, or rather Flora knows, that I am ready to sacri- 
fice myself for her. My heart would not hesitate at 
any price. God is my witness. 

But you have no experience in the world; such a 
step hastily taken might compromise Flora's fate and 


mine. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


63 


Moreover ought I not consult her ? Bring me an 
order from her and I shall obey. I am unwilling to 
take this step without her consent. 

That is the way, replied she ; placing on the table 
the pistol she had been holding in her hand whilst dis- 
puting with him. It is always to-morrow with you, 
and to-morrow will be too late. 

You refuse then, Bene, to go with me to Flora’s 
father. 

No, answered Rene, but I await an order from Flora. 

Very well, she answered, I shall hasten to her and 
bring you the order; and she left him precipitately, 
murmuring to herself — 0, the men! the men! they 
are the death of us. Let them dare now to accuse 
mother Eve. 

Rene and McNamara stood amazed at this bold 
remonstrance of the young maiden. 

When Mariette was in the street she began to reflect 
more calmly and dispassionately. She was saying in 
an audible tone, Flora herself was opposed to Rene’s 
speaking to her father ; perhaps both are right. But 
no matter, I must save them. She crossed the river 
and betook herself to her own house. 

Whilst Mariette was devising means to save her 
friend, events with their rapid, implacable and terrible 
logic hastened on and decided the fate of the unfortu- 
nate Flora. 

Poor Flora ! 


64 


THE PEAKE OF NORFOLK. 


X. 


The wedding preparations were therefore made as if 
no obstacle were in the way. 

The license was obtained, the day was fixed upon — 
the evening of the next day at 6 o’clock for the mar- 
riage ceremony. 

Flora attended, as if she were a stranger, to all the 
preparations. 

Like a condemned victim she submitted silently to 
her fate and accepted the sacrifice, Supplications, pray- 
ers would have been of no avail, for she knew her 
father could not be subdued. 

The time to go to church having arrived, she suffered 
herself to be attired, as the culprit submits to the last 
toilet of the executioner. 

Flora’s father was determined to give to his daugh- 
ter’s wedding a great splendor and eclat. 

All his acquaintances and friends were invited, and 
carriages and vehicles obstructed the street. 

When the unfortunate girl appeared in her white 
gauze dress, a long veil and the crown of orange flowers 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


65 


adorning her alabaster forehead and head, there arose 
a shout of admiration among the crowd which had 
collected to enjoy the splendid ceremony. 

Never did she appear so handsome. The waxy pale- 
ness of her face, her fixed and calm look, her slim and 
delicate figure. Everything gave her an imposing and 
majestic air. 

She came forward with a resolute step and entered 
her carriage. 

The cortege was soon in church where Father Souel 
was waiting for them at the altar. 

Flora stood unmoved before him, and fixed her eyes 
upon a statue of Christ. 

The ceremony soon commenced, when Father Souel, 
looking to her, said : 

Do you accept for your husband, Mr. John . 

She hesitated a moment, then raising her eyes towards 
heaven, she replied with a firm voice : 

No ! father, my heart does not consent to it. A 
great tumult arose within the temple, a loud cry was 
heard from her father who being under great excitement 
fell, prostrated from an attack of illness. He was car- 
ried to his home, where Flora herself was conveyed, 
very much agitated. 

Her father soon regained his senses ; but he could 
scarcely realize the incidents of the past. His daugh- 
ter's conduct at the altar seemed to him like a dream 
or nightmare. John kept near him, silent and dumb- 
founded. All at once he rose as if a sudden thought 
had struck him. 

Monsieur, said he, nothing is lost; be, therefore con- 

9 


66 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


soled. I ask of you a moment’s conversation with your 
daughter and all will be satisfactorily arranged. 

One finds sometimes in those gross and ingnorant 
natures, as in the Indians, low cunnings and serpent- 
like instincts, which do not shrink from any stratagem 
however mean and dishonorable. John had just con- 
ceived an infernal plot to deceive the young girl. 

Flora who was consulted, consented to receive him, 
hoping that a frank explanation would induce him to 
renounce the further prosecution of the marriage, and 
would thus satisfy her father in obtaining her pardon. 

John was immediately introduced. 

Mademoiselle, said he, advancing respectfully towards 
her, I have a favor to ask of you. after the gross insult 
offered me at the altar 

Speak, Sir, answered Flora 

An insult always requires some reparation, continued 
John. You deceived me in coming so far as the altar, 
with the sole purpose of insulting me publicly. 

No, Sir ! replied Flora indignantly; you knew per- 
fectly well that I did not consent to this marriage, and 
you were coward enough to be willing to wed a young 
girl who was forced to the sacrifice ; but in doing so 
you would have had for ever my contempt. But do 
you not know that man proposes, and woman disposes ? 

But, pray, let us close the interview. What do you 
want of me now ? 

What I want, Mademoiselle; I have just told you I 
want a reparation. Consent to renew the marriage cer- 
emony, and when I shall be asked, in my turn, if I 
consent to accept you as my wife, I shall answer, No ! 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


67 


The insult offered to me will thus be cancelled; my 
dignity and my honor will be satisfied, and your father 
will have no more reproaches to make you. 

I consent to it, replied Flora; give, immediately, the 
orders, and I am ready to return to the church. 

John returned to Flora's father. 

“ All is arranged,” he said, “but Flora must have no 
time for reflection. The marriage ceremony must take 
place immediately. 

In a moment the horses were harnessed to the carriage 
and the party started in the direction of the church, 
where Father Souel. who had been notified again, was 
awaiting them. 

Over this assembly that had thus found itself united, 
there rested a silence that can not well be expressed, 
and that seemed occasioned by a feeling of something 
strange and calamitous impending. The sudden re* 
newal of Flora’s determination was incomprehensible. 

“My child,” said the venerable missionary, address- 
ing her with a trembling voice which betrayed the 
most lively emotion, and in his trouble and excitement 
inadvertenty directing the question first to her, 

“Do you take Mr. John for your lawful husband ? ” 

Yes 1 No ! Yes ! father, she answered, in a faint and 
irresolute tone. 

And you, Mr. John, do you take Miss Flora for your 
lawful wife ? 

“I do,” answered the miserable John, in a tone of 
lively emphasis. 

At that moment a fearful cry was heard from the lips 
of Flora. “ The miscreant has deceived me,” she ex 


68 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


claimed, swooning away and becoming a prey to a vio- 
lent attack of nervous excitement 

John remained unmoved; “convey her immediately 
to the house,” he said with a calm and impassable voice, 
“this emotion will be only transient.” 

They carried her to the carriage, when John seated 
himself at her side, and the horses started off in a 
galop. 

At a short distance, a noisy band of musicians was 
crossing the street. On hearing the noises of the 
trumpets and clarions the horses became unmanageable; 
they broke away with the rapidity of lightning ; the 
wheels struck from the stones of the pavement a shower 
of sparks; the carriage rolled and bounded in a most 
alarming manner ; the horses were no longer under re- 
straint ; their driver was thrown upon the pavement ; 
thus did they arrive to the end of Main street, directing 
their maddei ed course towards the sea, aud in the twink- 
ling of an eye, carriage and horses were precipitated 
into the water with a fearful crash. 

Numbers immediately hastened after the carriage ; 
and the crowd continued to increase, terror-stricken by 
the dread disaster. 

At this time there were seated on the bank, at a short 
distance from the scene of the calamity, two young men. 
One was resting his head upon the shoulder of his com- 
rade, as if he had difficulty in supporting it. 

They were both mute and silent. The rising tide was 
driven by a violent wind. The sea rumbled mournfully. 

On hearing the crash of the carriage and beholding 
the gathering crowd, they arose hastily and anticipating 


THE PEARL OP NORFOLK. 


69 


some terrible accident, they hurried to the place of the 
disaster. 

Those two joungmen were McNamara and Rene whom 
his friend had accompanied to the beach in order that 
he might enjoy the air, and cool his fevered brow with 
the sea-breeze. 

They learned that a carriage had been precipitated 
into the water, with two ill-fated occupants. 

Hearkening only to their courage, they stripped off 
some of their garments and plunged into the sea in order 
to rescue from death those two unfortunate ones. 

Ten minutes were passsd in a cruel anxiety. The 
crowd awaited in anguish their reappearance. Finally 
they were seen emerging from the waves, -faint and ex- 
hausted. Their efforts had been all in vain. They were 
unable to discover the bodies. 

Rene, who had been weakened, especially by the three 
days of anxiety, seated himself upon the beach in order 
to regain his breath, remained silent for a moment, and 
then summoning all his courage, exclaimed, “come, my 
friend, let us make a last effort to rescue those unfortu- 
nate ones from death,” and plunging in once more they 
disappeared beneath the waves. After the lapse of five 
minutes McNamara reappeared, having found the body 
of John burried beneath the carriage. He made every 
effort to withdraw him, but seeing his efforts useless, he 
sought the beach once more to rest himself. 

Rene had not yet made his appearance ; it was a mo- 
ment of awful silence. If, in consequence of his weak- 
ness he has been drawn out by the tide, the poor young 
man will perish a victim to his devotedness. 


70 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


McNamara was preparing to go to his assistance , 
when cries were heard from the crowd. Rene could, 
with difficulty, keep his head above the surface of the 
water; his right hand held a form, around which white 
draperies floated; he was swimming with the other 
hand; he was assisted in regaining the shore, and the 
body of the young woman was taken, immediately, out 
of the water. 

The veil being removed from her countenance, which 
was impressed with a heavenly serenity, Rene recog- 
nized Flora, and observing on her finger the ring 
which she had offered him as a pledge of their es- 
pousals, he swooned away upon the ground. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


71 


XI. 


McNamara had Rene, who was still unconscious, 
transported to his own house, whilst loving and sym- 
pathizing friends carried the inanimate form of Flora 
to her father’s. 

But the poor child was no longer of this world. 
Asphyxia was complete. All efforts at restoration were 
useless. Death! cruel death! had home her away in 
his arms, and the lovely sky of Virginia wept for one 
star less in its bright firmament. 

She had said that she would never be the wife of 
John ! There are instincts of the heart, providential 
and seemingly heaven-sent presentiments, which re- 
move partly the veil that conceals our future destiny, 
and in resisting them we not unfrequently draw down 
upon ourselves the direst calamities. 

She had taken her flight towards the heavenly abode, 
and appeared before her God as pure as the prayer 
that her lips had so frequently uttered, and still she 
was the affianced of Rene. The Eternal had merci- 
fully taken her to Himself by death, lest she might 
prove recreant to her heart. 


72 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


John descended to hell to expiate his base treachery. 

The next day two coffins were borne to the cemetery — 
that of John, whose body they succeeded in rescuing 
from the waters, and that of the unfortunate Flora. 

This sad event filled the inhabitants of Norfolk 
with consternation. They followed the remains of 
Flora to their last resting place. The mourning was 
universal. Many persons fell sick, terrified by this 
sudden and terrible visitation of death. 

Flora’s father survived his daughter but a short 
time. His last days were passed in a state of fatuity 
and childishness. Frequently he would arise with a 
sudden start as if he were a prey to a feverish excite- 
ment, and exclaim with all the bitterness of despair — 
“ Curses on me ! I have killed my child ! ” - 

Another coffin was soon to join the two others, ft 
was of one who had died of despair. The aged grand- 
mother, crushed beneath the weight of her grief, went 
to repose by the side of her dear Flora. 

The whole family was extinct. 

As regards Mariette, it would be useless to depict 
her grief and despair. The poor child could receive 
no consolation. She had lost the companion of her 
youth, of her days of brightest hope. Life was nothing 
now to her. She would renounce it and her betrothed. 

One morning she was seen to leave her house at 
day-break. She entered a carriage that took the boat 
to Baltimore. 

There, she knocked at the door of a dark and sombre 
edifice ; it was the convent of the Ladies of Providence. 
She received the veil of the religious, passed her life 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


73 


in prayer and good works, and died, whilst still young, 
leaving behind her the memory of her charities, instead 
of the fleeting memory of the vanities of a worldly lifo 
which she could have entered. 

The two friends were again united in the heavenly 
abode — in that bright region which is the last meeting 
place of all beings who have passed their life on earth in 
innocence and purity, and in the practice of good work?. 

’Rene remained fora long time unconscious. His 
life was despaired of. A burning fever threatened to 
terminate his existence. From time to time he would 
hold his hands before his face as if to shut out from 
view a painful vision. In this manner did he remain 
for three weeks hovering between life and death. 

McNamara never left him for a moment. Father 
Souel visited him several times a day in order to im- 
part to his young friend the consolations of religion. 
But Rene was incapable of recognizing any one. 

One morning, in fine, the fever abated. He regained 
the use of his senses, his hand clutched convulsively 
that of his friend McNamara, and torrents of tears 
flowed down his cheeks. 

On hearing these good tidings, Father Souel made 
all haste to visit him. “ My son,” said the venerable 
old man to him, “God brings you back to life. Offer 
your life, Rene, as a sacrifice to the Eternal; life is of 
such little worth ; it is a cross that we must all carry. 
Murmur not against Divine Providence— its designs 
are often inscrutable to mortals. God wished to test 
your Christian faith, and to make your resignation cor- 
respond to the grief that overwhelms you. 

10 


74 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


You arc yel in the bloom and vigor of manhood. 
Heaven has its views in your regard, and if you have 
been endowed with talents it was that you might ac- 
complish your mission in this world. Your country 
will call upon you some day and you will render a sig- 
nal service to society.” 

ltene was a long time bending under the weight of an 
excessive grief, a prey to an internal fire that burned 
his very soul and consumed him by day and night. 

Delirium, unceasing and unpitying, had seized pos- 
session of his brain. 

At times he would appear gloomy and dejected, then 
his countenance would suddenly be lighted up by a 
smile at an image floating in the transparent air, 
evoking his soul and inviting him to the bright rays 
of light where she was wandering a radiant vapor 
among the elect of the faith. 

Then when he would cast his eyes to the ground the 
nightmare w T ould return to him in all its hideousness 
of form. Vacuity everywhere, everywhere grief and 
mourning, eternal silence and endless despair. 

Haggard, feverish, he wished to avoid that night of 
gloom that enveloped his horizon. He sought to tear 
asunder that dark veil and he fell crushed, annihi.sted, 
stricken down like a demon. 

He drew his phantom after him. 

How could he escape from those frightful tortures 
of the heart ; from the constant vision of this loved 
spectre, living side by side with his soul, always walk- 
ing with him as a companion, trembling, wandering 
and gazing at him from beneath its white death shroud. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


75 


Time aided him. He quaffed drop by drop the 
burning waters of his agony. Time destroys all things, 
even time itself ceases to exist. 

Rene by degrees regained his strength. He wished 
to go and pray at the tomb of Flora. 

Leaning on the arm of the venerable missionary 
and on that of McNamara, he proceeded to the ceme- 
tery one morning at break of day. 

The horizon was fringed and embroidered with the 
tinted gleams of the aurora; the atmosphere was se- 
rene ; the air was redolent with the balmy odor of the 
flowers; the beautiful sky of Virginia was spread out 
in all its splendor and magnificence. 

Rene whilst walking along plucked some white 
marguerites, and having arrived at the tomb of Flora, 
he laid them on the marble slab and sank prostrate to 
the earth. 

Returning to himself he offered up his prayer, and 
supported by his two friends, drew from hjs pocket a 
pencil with which he inscribed on the tomb these four 
lines of the poet Maksherbes, hjs relative : 

In this world she lived; where oft the best 

« 

Too soon we see decay : 

As a flower she lived as flowers live 
The brief space of a day. 

Silent and pensive they retired from the sombre 
dwelling place of Flora, abandoned to solitude under 
the fhade of a weeping willow, whose green branches 
rustling in the zephyrs murmured their plaintive elegy. 

On their return they went to rest for a moment on 
the sea-beach near the spot where she had perished. 


76 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


For a long time the inhabitants of Norfolk made pil- 
grimages to this place, which in their popular language 
was named “the Bay of the Pearl.” 

Strange reports began to be circulated concerning this 
ill-fated beach. On beautiful moonlit evenings, it was 
said, a pure and celestial voice was heard, whose accents 
filled the soul with rapturous transport. A white ap- 
parition was seen at times skimming the surface of the 
waters, and in moments of storm and tempest, warning 
cries would be heard by the mariners. 

Since that time the whole face of the beach bor- 
dering the bay has been changed. Wharves and docks 
have been built, and the bustle and life of commerce 
and industry have replaced the solitude of those places. 

Nothing was more picturesque and poetic than the 
bay of Norfolk. On the sandy beach the American 
creeper entwining and twisting itself in its serpentine 
coils, attached its green and denticulated foliage to the 
white surface of the sand. Far and near clusters of 
purple flowers with their long cylindrical cups, slightly 
tinged with yellow at their base, decorated this sea-green 
surface, which was still further diversified by the streaked 
prickly cactus with its yellow tinted flowers. 

At stated times the canals surrounding the city were 
filled with the limpid waters of the bay ebbing and 
flowing like a cincture of crystal around the dwellings. 
Norfolk seemed like an enchanted Venice of Aleyons. 

The American creeper has since disappeared, like the 
famous Lotus of the Nile, represented on all the 
ancient Egyptian monuments, and which covered all 
the approaches to Cairo, but which is now but rarely 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


77 


met with except in upper Egypt near the Cataracts. 
The plants seem to take flight at the approach of civili- 
zation which alarms them. 

The Bay of the Pearl no longer exists even in the 
memory of the inhabitants. 

All the houses that were built at that period have 
entirely disappeared. 

In 1776 Norfolk was taken and burned by the English. 
All the houses were constructed of wood. The church on 
Church street escaped the general conflagration and re- 
mained standing amid the ruins. To this day a cannon 
ball, which struck the church during the bombardment, 
and remained imbedded in the wall, can be seen by the 
passer-by. 

In 1812 the English made a descent upon Hampton — 
a column of six hundred men advanced upon the city — 
placing in their front rank the crew of a French vessel 
w 7 hich they had captured. France was also engaged in 
war with England at this time, but no sooner were the 
French within sight of the Americans than they turned 
suddenly upon the English, fired a volley into them and 
hastened to join the side of the Americans. 


78 


THE PEARL OE NORFOLK. 




lleno, by degrees, resumed his former habits. 

One evening, on returning from one of his excur- 
sions, Flora’s old servant suddenly appeared before him. 

The sight of Rene was a terrible shock to her. The 
remembrance of her mistress was renewed, accompanied 
with the most bitter poignancy. She had seen them 
so happy together — so gay, to smiling, and now she sees 
Rene alone, sad and melancholy — Rene was now the 
mere shadow of his former self. 

She could not suppress her emotions. A torrent of 
tears rolled down her cheeks. Sobs stifled her voice 
and prevented her from uttering a single word. She 
covered her face with her shawl and handed to Rene a 
letter which she had promised Flora to deliver to him, 
and which was enveloped in a black lace handkerchief, 
formerly belonging to her mistress. Then she hastily 
departed. 

Rene, trembling and agitated, read the following 
letter : 


79 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


Rene : 

A sad presentiment warns me that this is the last time that 
I shall ever write to you. My pen drops from my hand, for 
this thought overpowers me, and plunges my soul into the 
darkness of desolation, which the hope of the future feebly 
illumines by a single ray, as a solitary star twinkling through 
the clouds that sweep over the darkened heavens, strives to 
penetrate with its radiant smile the dense foliage of the trees. 

0!i! how happy was I not, when every returning morn I 
said to the swallow that nestled at my window, go bring me 
tidings of my beloved ! 

But now my swallow has fled away, and an ill-omened ra- 
ven alarms me by its doleful and portentous cries. I, poor 
child, weep and tremble. 

The dawning morn is redolent with the balmy odors of 
flowers, but the burning heat of the noonday’s sun wakes up 
the tempest which lays all beautiful nature waste, and reaps 
our harvests before the time. 

Love never again. Rene : the cup though sweet and fra- 
grant, is deadly poison. Allismort.il he»e below. Every- 
thing on earth hastens to pas3 away. Lay your heait before 
the Throne of the Eternal, there the fire of divine love will 
never be extinguished. 

Therefore do I invoke Him every day. II is name is the 
sweet burden of my prayers, and it is He whom my soul has 
ever before its eve^. But no more do sweet and pleasant 
dreams visit me in my slumbers — my night is eternal, like 
death itself. 

The other night— I was not asleep, nor did a dream illude 
my fantasy, when, suddenly my mother stood before me, 
weeping, she clasped me in her arms, then casting on me a 
loving smile, she sought to draw me after her. 

Think you not, Rene, that this was a premonition from 
Heaven? Who has passed through life without beholding 
some loved one from the other world, who startles you by the 
sudden apparition of his wandering shade? 


80 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


Who, after these visions from beyond the tomb, can doubt 
the existence of a celestial life that awaits us? There is 
another life Rene. I go to my mother! 

You remember when on the shore of the Atlantic we were 
conversing of a future life, and pointing to the Heavens, you 
spoke to me of those loved and cherished beings that had left 
you for the dwellings of eternity. Your hope of rejoining 
them one day was the only solace in your grief. These gloomy 
reflections are again awakened in my soul to day, when all 
joy has cruelly and forever departed from it. 

I will not depict to you the feelings of my crushed and bro- 
ken heart. Why should I distress you? Am I not the cause 
of all your suffering? This terrible thought alarms iny soul. 

I was your sole happiness on earth you said. Alas, hap- 
piness! Oh, delusion ! Oh, fleeting mirage! gilded like a 
dream. Life and death were mocking one another. The 
flowers you gathered for me faded prematurely in my hands 
— a sad and ill-boding omen. 

Y~ou said that I was your happiness. See Rene all happi- 
ness is only illusion — my dream is over. 

Rene, 1 have not the strength to say to you Adieu. Yet my 
resolution is unalterable. Whatever may be the fate that 
Heaven reserves for me, welcome the will of Heaven. 

Yes, yes, we shall meet again, either on this earth, clouded 
by sin and sorrow, or in the infinite azure of peace. Are not 
our souls twin -sisters? They soar together in the bright ethe- 
real region of thought. Echo is our messenger, who repeats 
to me even your accents of despair in the sighing of the plain- 
tive zephyrs. 

Would that I could console you ! but I am like the desert 
winds, whose breath is burning and consuming. I cannot 
even bid you hope. 

Hope is the last ray of the human heart. Examine yours 
and you will theie find this last reflection — this consoling ray, 
which will say t© you, Hope! Though my grief and presen- 
iment say to you, Adieu ! for, I fear, I know not why, some 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


81 


impending calamity. But we are betrothed. I shall remain 
faithful to my vow, and carry it even to my grave. In the sigh t 
of God I am your wife. Adieu, Rene. 

Flora. 

This letter renewed the bleeding wounds of his 
heart; he folded it up again in the black lace, placed 
it next his heart and returned home, dragging himself 
along with difficulty by means of the little strength 
which was still left him. Then a renewed attack of 
his fever prostrated him for several days. 

11 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK,, 


XIII. 


Rone regained his strength but slowly, after this se- 
cond grievous affliction. For a long time he might be 
seen walking alone the streets of Norfolk with a sad 
and melancholy air, and with a slow and unsteady step. 
Sometimes he would be seen hurrying along like a mad- 
man, as if he were laboring under some temporary 
aberration of mind. 

At other times he would seat himself on the beach, 
where he had been so frequently seen with Flora, con- 
templating with her the angry ocean, dashing its frothy 
waves at their feet below. Whilst the young maiden 
would intone with a clear and melodious voice the can- 
ticle which Rene had composed for her. Sometimes 
he would bury himself in the inmost recesses of the 
forest, whence he would return only at a late hour in the 
evening. 

Study became for him his only refuge and consolation, 
as it was before his acquaintance with Flora. He now 
commenced to pen the first pages of his “Genius of 
Christianity,” that immortal work that has penetrated 
into all parts of the world. 


TIIE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


83 


He devoted to this work even a part of his nights, 
so long and frequent were his vigils. Oftentimes was 
he surprised, even standing under the street-lamp tak- 
ing note in pencil of the ideas and inspirations that 
occurred to him 

Norfolk recalled to his mind only bitter reminiscen- 
ces; he languished like a plant deprived of its refreshing 
dew. Every day he visited his faithful friend McNa- 
mara, and spent frequent evenings with Father Souel, 
discussing literature and philosophy. 

One day he visited McNamara and informed him of 
his intention to abandon Norfolk. It was his design to 
go to Florida and Louisiana, and to visit the Natchez and: 
other Indian tribes. 

Rene, why flee from our shores? exclaimed McNa- 
mara. Sincere friends surround you with tender de- 
votedness, and is not Norfolk, as I have often heard 
you repeat, your adopted country ? has it then no lon-‘ 
ger any charm for your thoughts and meditations ? i 

Seek not to shake my resolution, my friend, replied' 
Rene; my destiny must take its course. 

Our life is subject to events which Heaven sends us.* 
We are the sport of its influence, and our resolutions 
are often formed without our doubting of the ways that- 
Providence marks out for them. Heaven has pronounced 
its sentence. I bear away with me the remembrance of* 
Norfolk, and the soul of Flora will follow me from shore 
to shore like a friendly echo of her heavenly affections. 

Spring says to the butterfly, behold the season, the 
season of dreams, of poetic illusions, and at the same 
time the sad harbinger of cruel deceptions. The sum- 


84 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


mer embroiders our fields with gold, and autumn reaps 
our harvests for the days of winter’s repast. 

Man follows the course of nature, and the phases of 
his existence mark the seasons of his terrestrial dura- 
tion. 

My spring time is over. Adieu ! aurora of bright 
days, your garland of roses is faded and its fragrance 
has departed forever. 

I now see my season of summer following in the train. 
The hour for labor has struck ; have we not, each one 
of us, our task to perform here below ? 

Pioneer of thought, pilgrim of life, wandering from 
pole to pole. I seek man in the aspirations of his 
genius. From the palaces of kings to the Indian’s 
cabin, I evoke his soul, I sound his heart, and I ask him 
why he exists ? His answer is everywhere the same, 
his needs are the same. The deceptive mirage of hope, 
desire and ambition constantly allures him over the 
parched and dreary deserts of life, only to desert him 
one day, thus exposing to him, to his deep and bitter 
chagrin , the cold and cheerless reality in all its naked- 
ness. 

Shall we, then, be always impelled towards new shores, 
restless and anxious concerning the present and the fu- 
ture, without standing still for even one day amid the 
mazes of life ? Cannot humanity, hoping and striving 
for its welfare, find the happiness of the human race? 

This is what each one of us should aim at, and to at- 
tain it there is but one path open — each should do good 
to his neighbor. The man of genius, as well as the 
most obscure among us, in order to succeed in promo- 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


85 


ting the welfare and happiness of the human race, has 
only to exercise his heart in the practice of indulgence 
and charity, and to inspire others with a love for their 
fellow-men. 

I will try and follow this path in my progress through 
the world. 

This was the last night that Rene passed in the ghost 
pavillion, and at Norfolk. 

The night was dark, and the silence of a graveyard 
reigned round about, He felt himself already yielding 
to that first inclination to sleep, which precedes ordina- 
rily absolute repose. His thoughts were confused and 
wandering, his mind was like a lamp which flickers for 
a moment with a struggling flame, and then apparently 
dies out only to flame up again with a bright and lively 
light, and then be suddenly extinguished forever. 

At this moment his chamber was suddenly flooded 
with an azure phosphorescent light. A distant melody as 
if descending from heaven, filled the air around him, 
and awakened in his soul feelings of most ecstatic 
bliss; showers of golden stars fell around him and 
deluged him with torrents of bright ethereal light. 

Then before his eyes a mist arose out of which Flora 
seemed to come forth ; her brow was encircled by a 
bright and sparkling crown ; her face emitted rays of 
celestial light, and she held in her hand a bouquet of 
white marguerites. 

She smiled as in the days of her springtime and hap- 
piness. 

Rene was overwhelmed with amazement. 

“ Rene, 1 ” said she, with a voice rich with celestial 


86 


THE PEA EL OF NORFOLK. 


melody, “this is the last time that you shall see me in 
these regions that you are preparing to depart from 
forever. 

“I come from my celestial abode above the firma- 
ment, from those inaccessible vaults, illumined by the 
reflection of that divine light which forms the happi- 
ness of the elect, and the very sight of which would 
dazzle mortal eyes incapable of beholding their majes- 
tic splendor. 

“Tell men that there is an infinite, eternal happi- 
ness, a future without end, without limit, instead of 
the deceitful illusions of terrestrial joys. As the 
flower lives only a day, as the grass of the field withers 
and passes away, so in like manner the longest human 
life will in a few moments pass away forever from the 
earth; but the Christian soul wings its flight above 
and i>'oes to receive as a reward of its sorrow’s and 
Christian virtues, a happy immortality in the regions 
of eternal bliss, where I v r ill be auditing you one day ” 

Flora was borne aw T ay by angels, and the vision dis- 
appeared. Darkness again drew its thick mantle 
around him and left him to the cold and cheerless 
reality of earth. y life. 


THE PEA E L OF NORFOLK. 87 


XIV. 


Early in the morning, according to his custom, he 
assisted at the early mass of Father Souel ; he was 
dressed in travelling costume, accompanied by McNa- 
mara. 

After mass he called upon the venerable missionary: 
“ I come to bid you farewell,” he says to him; “I de- 
part for Louisiana.” 

“ May God protect and bless you, my son,” answered 
the venerable priest ; “ perhaps we shall meet again 
some day; we are all travellers on the earth; our exile 
is everywhere.” 

On leaving Father Souel, he mounted one of the 
horses that a little negro servant was holding at the 
door of the church, and galloped away, without wish- 
ing to* cast even a glance behind. 

His parting with McNamara was affecting in the 
extreme. Once more he found himself alone in the 
forest, far removed from relations and from friends; 
for if he was leaving Norfolk with sad remembrances, 
he could recall also the moments of happiness which 


88 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


he had experienced in it, the sincere and true friends 
which he had found in it, and the affectionate and 
sympathetic welcome of the people ; even those un- 
known to him presented a smiling and amiable coun- 
tenance, and extended to him a frank cordiality. 

Above all, he had found in this peaceful town a 
calm and serious life, that contemplative lift towards 
which his natural temperament inclined him. He 
therefore left with regret the good town of Norfolk, 
the cherished town where his heart was first opened to 
happiness and to hope. Even when leaving it, he 
traversed again in thought all the beautiful groves 
where he had sat so often the entire day, plunged in 
deep meditation. 

Alas ! now a blighting remembrance followed him— 
an airy spirit — an emanation from the world flew 
around him and occupied his thoughts. 

A sense of loneliness weighed heavily upon him ! a 
loneliness deep and overwhelming. 

It was whilst engaged in his travels in Louisiana 
that Chateaubriand wrote his two immortal eclogues 
of Rene and Atala, during his sojourn among the 
Natchez. The remembrance of Flora inspired him 
with the sublime letter of Rene to Atala. One day 
he found Father Souel among the savages in Louisiana 
and committed to him the manuscript of the two ro- 
mances. 

Returning to France after the revolution, his writings 
placed him in the first rank. As minister and ambas- 
sador, he exerted by his genius a \ owerful influence 
over the destinies of his country. 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


89 


The learned writers have criticised the style of 
Chateaubriand. They find it, they say, turgid and 
bombastic. But all great geniuses of the world have 
rendered homage to his surprising genius. It matters 
little what the critics may say, who have not been suf- 
ficiently endowed by nature to appreciate what is mar- 
vellous in his style. 

We may say of Chateaubriand that he is a poet in 
prose. In each of his sentences there is a charming 
and delightful cadence. Every word is armed with a 
thought, and with the genial tone of his writings there 
is blended a melancholy sweetness that is unspeakably 
affecting. Every phrase is music to the soul ; he al- 
ways wrote with his heart throbbing with emotion ; 
they are not sentences but strophes of emotion, the 
recital of which fascinates and electrifies you as if you 
were hearing a celestial concert. 

When reading him you live in an ethereal world, 
whose mirage charms you like a dream. 

There has been published after the death of Chateau- 
briand, a biographical notice, in which he renders a 
most brilliant homage to this sublime poet, this grand 
genius, who revealed to the world the u Genius of 
Christianity/’ 

Chateaubriand died in 1849 at a very advanced age. 
During his whole life his spirit preserved a tinge of 
sadness and melancholy, like a tree struck by lightning 
ever bears on its bark the traces of the thunderbolt. 

His ashes repose now on a little rock, an islet, on 
the shore of St. Malo in Brittany, his native country. 

Every rising tide separates the islet from the shore. 


90 


THE PEARL OF NORFOLK. 


In this region, under a dark and clouded sky, the sea 
is ever grand and majestic. During a storm the bil- 
lows foam and break against the rock, which momen- 
tarily disappears, submerged by the waves, which 
sometimes engulf the tomb of Ohateabriand. The 
remembrance of Flora’s death led him, no doubt, to 
select this place of burial on the sea shore. A simple 
stone marks his grave, a cross is traced upon it, with 
only this inscription, without a name, 

“ Here Lies a Christian.” 

There the eternal murmuring of the deep lulls to rest 
his ashes, and the gently undulating waters repeat to 
him continually in their plaintive melody the beloved 
name of Flora 




library of congress 


0 002 223 599 0 < 


WORKS 


OF THE 


SAME AUTHOR, 

Published at London by Jeffs, Piccadilly and Horncastle 
Cumberland Arcade ; and at Paris by Borani 
and Droz, St. Peres Street. 

PASSE-TEMPS.— The Morghan of Prospoder. Weak and timid. The gai 

I . den of the Tuileries. A night in Spain. 

LES MILLS ET UNE MERVEJLfyES DU PALAIS DE CRISTAL.— Critiqu 
on the Universal Exhibition bf London, published in the “Gazette ( 
France.” 

! LES CROTSADES CATHOLIQUES A I ONDRES.— Religious movements i 

England. Missions of th 
Fathers Lacordaire, D 
Ravignan and Deplac 
published in the Gazett 
of France. 

| LA LEGENDE D ABDEL KADER. — Published in the Army Monitor. 

LES TABLETTES DE 1/ EMPIRE.— Policy of Napoleon III. 


And soon to appear in New York, 


LE CALVAIRE. — Christ before the Pnetor. I vol. Illustrated. 

VOYAGE D ' NS LES DEUX HEMISPHERES. — Europe, Asia, Africa an 

America. 2 vols. Illustr; 
ted. 


